How to Work a Networking Event

Today's business deals involve more than just numbers and e-mailed queries. Putting your best face forward can often net more business in one night than cold calling can in one month.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Power suit
• Business cards
• E-mail

1. Send an e-mail to the event coordinator/contact person to RSVP for the event and express your appreciation of the invitation.
2. Ask any coworkers or friends if they are planning to attend the event. You may be able to carpool or at least have a back-up buddy to talk to if conversation at the event is lacking.
3. Bring a newly dry-cleaned outfit, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hair gel and cologne to work that day. Use these items before arriving at the event.
4. Walk around the room once to see if you recognize anyone upon arrival.
5. Shake hands firmly but friendly and establish eye contact when starting a conversation with someone.
6. Introduce yourself, your title and your firm to the person. Afterwards ask the other person what line of business they are in.
7. Confirm your knowledge of their work by noting something of interest about their industry or by mentioning someone you know who works in that industry.
8. Exchange cards before ending the conversation and, if appropriate, agree to follow up with an e-mail about any future business dealings or luncheons.
9. Send an e-mail to the person the next day that says how nice it was to meet them, wishes them well in their business ventures, recaps any anecdotes of the night before and, if appropriate, extends a lunch invitation.

Tips & Warnings

• If a conversation dies down it is appropriate to excuse yourself to go get a drink, go to the bathroom or check voicemails
• Remember that it’s not the number of cards you get or people you talk to, but the quality of the people and conversations that count. Most people are happy with two solid contacts
• If you can't find anyone to talk to. Approach a lone person who doesn't already have a drink and offer to buy them one. Your first topic of conversation can revolve around whatever drink they order
• If the person you're talking to is from out of town offer up lunch plans or to take them out after the event ends to show them around the city
• If there is an "RSVP by" deadline make sure you don't miss it, thereby creating more hassle for the event host to get you in
• Stock up on business cards and a few samples of your work so that you're not caught ill prepared should someone want your contact information or to know more about your business