1. Always Smile
Have a huge smile on your face. Be happy you're there. Go out of
your way to introduce yourself to people. Don't talk about yourself,
ask questions about who they are and what they do.
2. Ask For Business Cards
When you meet someone, ask for a business card. If the person
doesn't have one, write down their name and address on the back
of yours. Your job is to collect the name of everybody you meet.
3. Add People to Your Mailing Lists and Contact Manager
When you get back to your office go through your collection of
cards and add them to both your mailing list and your contact manager.
4. Follow up with Phone Calls
Schedule follow-up calls with the people who you think are prospects
or people you would like to get to know better. Don't expect them
to contact you, because they aren't going to be as good at
networking - and keeping in touch - as you are.
5. Act as If it Were Your Party and You Were the Host
Here's my #1 best piece of advice: When you're at a networking
event - whenever you've an opportunity to meet someone new,
you're at a networking event - act as if it were your party and
you were the host. This forces you to smile, be outgoing,
and motivates you to meet other people.
