Networking Skills Practice

Year 9 | Duration: 45 minutes | Class Size: 20 students

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WALT (We Are Learning To)

• Understand the importance of networking and relationships in business.
• Identify effective networking strategies.
• Practise networking skills through role-play activities.

Success Criteria

• I can explain why networking is crucial for entrepreneurs and businesses.
• I can demonstrate effective communication skills in a networking scenario.
• I use appropriate verbal and non-verbal cues to build rapport.
• I can reflect on my networking experience and suggest improvements.

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Australian Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Humanities and Social Sciences
Subject: Economics and Business (Years 7-10)
Year Level: 9

Content Descriptions:

• AC9HE9S05: Create descriptions, explanations, and arguments, using economic and business knowledge, concepts and terms that incorporate and acknowledge research findings.
• AC9HE9S02: Locate, select and analyse information and data from a range of sources.
• Addressing communication and interpersonal skills aligns with general capabilities in Literacy and Personal and Social capability, essential for building relationships in business.

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction to Networking (10 minutes)

• Teacher explains: The role of networking in business success and entrepreneurship (linking to the "Empowering Young Entrepreneurs" unit).
• Discuss key reasons why networking matters: access to resources, sharing ideas, building partnerships, finding mentors.
• Present examples of networking in real business contexts (local and global).

Teaching Tip: Use dyslexia-friendly slides with bullet points, clear fonts (e.g., Arial), and high contrast colours.

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2. Group Brainstorm (5 minutes)

• Students brainstorm and list qualities and skills good networkers have (e.g., listening, asking questions, introducing themselves confidently).
• Capture ideas on a whiteboard or shared digital board.

Differentiation:

• Provide a prompt sheet with key vocabulary and sentence starters for students with learning difficulties.
• Encourage advanced learners to research famous entrepreneurs' networking habits for later discussion.

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3. Role-Playing Networking Scenarios (20 minutes)

• Students split into pairs or groups of three (3–4 groups of 5 students).
• Each group receives a different business networking scenario (e.g., meeting a potential investor, connecting with suppliers, collaborating on a project).
• Students take turns role-playing, practising introductions, exchanging business cards (use paper templates), and asking questions.
• Teacher circulates to support, prompt, and give feedback on communication style and body language.

Example Scenario:
"You're at a youth entrepreneurship expo. Introduce yourself, explain your business idea briefly, and ask about potential collaboration opportunities."

Extension for advanced learners:

• Encourage use of persuasive and influential language.
• Challenge them to handle tricky networking conversations, like overcoming objections.

Dyslexia-friendly tips:

• Provide printed role-play cards with clear fonts and simple language.
• Allow verbal or multimedia responses rather than written scripts.

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4. Reflective Discussion and Feedback (10 minutes)

• Whole class discusses: What strategies worked well? What was challenging? What non-verbal cues are important in networking?
• Students fill out a simple reflection sheet or pre-prepared template answering:
  • One thing I did well in networking
  • One thing I want to improve next time
• Highlight the importance of building ongoing relationships beyond first meetings.

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Differentiation Strategies

• For diverse learners:

  • Use visual aids and structured notes.
  • Break down activities into simple, manageable steps.
  • Provide sentence starters and vocabulary banks.

• For advanced learners:

  • Include challenges such as negotiating business deals within role-play.
  • Encourage independent research linking networking to global business success.

• For students with dyslexia:

  • Use colour-coded handouts for key points.
  • Give options for verbal or role-play responses instead of written tasks.
  • Present information both visually and orally.

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Resources

• Role-play scenario cards (printed, dyslexia-friendly format)
• Business card templates for students to fill and exchange
• Reflection templates (simple fill-in-the-blank sheets)
• Whiteboard or digital board for brainstorm
• Dyslexia-friendly presentation slides with clear headings and visuals

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Teacher Reflection

Post-lesson notes for improving engagement, pacing, and support for diverse learners.

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This lesson plan offers a practical, active learning approach to Year 9 students developing vital business networking skills, aligned with Australian Curriculum content codes AC9HE9S05 and AC9HE9S02, connecting knowledge to authentic, communicative practice in entrepreneurship contexts. The role-play and reflection approach caters thoughtfully to varied learning needs and builds confidence in essential interpersonal skills.