• Networking isn't just going to an event or meeting it's a whole range of things... meeting people, staying in touch, connecting people in your network, offering contacts and referrals. It may be months before you 'do business' with someone you meet at a networking event so don't go to an event expecting to 'sell' anything, go to find out about people and share information about your organisation. Not expecting to sell makes networking easier and more comfortable.
   
• When you go to an event circulate - you're there to meet people, introduce yourself, your organisation and to make contacts. Don't stay with the same person all the time. Read on for more tips to help you with this.
   
• If you go with a colleague, split up with you get there. You can review and discuss who you met afterwards; perhaps there is someone else in your organisation network or address book they would benefit from speaking to. Make the connection and follow up.
   
• Think of one or two phrases or questions you can use to open up conversations with people. It doesn't have to be sparkling and witty, it could be as simple as commenting on the venue, event or speaker (if there is one) will suffice.

   

• Prepare a self-introduction - who are you, what do you do and for who. If you can get this quite short and precise then you'll be less worried about introducing yourself.

   

• Listen to what others have to say. Find out about them and their organisation. This will help you to see how you could help them and will make building quality contacts easier. And it takes the pressure off you if you don't like to do all the talking.

   

• Move on graciously - good networkers understand that you're all there to meet people and will expect to only spend a short time with you. You can always agree to meet up if there was something specific you wanted to talk about. Phrases such as 'It's been good talking to you; I need to catch up with some other people this evening.' Is a reasonable close, or you could offer to introduce them to someone else. Inviting another person into the conversation can also be a good way to graciously move on - it also means you're not leaving someone standing alone. If you're desperate to move on, then excuse yourself to get a coffee or use the bathroom!

   

• Have your business cards to hand. Avoid having to dig about in the bottom of a handbag or briefcase. How and when you offer your card is up to you, although it does make sense to wait for an appropriate moment in the conversation - a pet hate of good networkers is having a business card thrust at them before any meaningful conversation has taken place. If you're still uncertain then wait until they offer you their card. Suggesting you could meet or talk more about a subject is the most natural introduction to swapping cards. If there's a guest list for the event then swapping cards is less important.
   
• If you promise to do something for someone then do it. And this goes for arranging meetings - if you don't want to meet with someone then don't suggest doing so just to end a conversation you're bored with.
   
• Enjoy yourself. And, if networking isn't something which comes naturally to you then set yourself a mini-goal; ie 'I'm going to talk to 5 different people this evening' and reward yourself for achieving it.

Copyright: Sharon Langford 2007. I'm a personal development coach and work with groups and individuals who want to change, grow and become the best they can be. I offer 1:1 coaching, e-courses and group workshops. More information can be found at my website: http://www.sharonlangford.com Visit the site to sign up for my FREE self-analysis tool and 40 practical time management solutions to help you manage yourself more effectively.