BE PREPARED
Do your best to find out who is going to be at the event and take the time to learn specifics about that person or company. It makes a good impression when you take the time to make your meet and greet personal. 

GET YOUR TOOLS IN CHECK
Depending on the event, what you hand out is the impression you will leave when they get back to their desk. I always recommend laying your “items” on a desk full of your own paperwork and see if it stands out. Networking tools should scream, “look at me!” If they do not, you’re wasting your time. 

AVOID "CONVERSATION OVERLOAD"
We all have been at events where people unintentionally “talk us to death” and trust me, if you do this, those you seek to connect with will often avoid your follow-up calls and emails. Keep your conversations lighthearted and to the point. 

BECOME AN ALLY
Give them a reason to friend you or answer your email. Soft selling yourself in a genuine manner goes a long way. Remember to enjoy yourself and smile when you talk – it puts the receiver at ease.

MAKE A GENUINE INTRODUCTION THEN BE QUIET
The more you allow someone to talk about themselves and/or their needs – the more you will be seen as an ally to their cause. Remember you might be the 50th person they’ve spoken to that day. By being a good listener you will make them feel good, you will also gain a true understand of how to connect to their needs and learn about what voids you or your business could fulfill. 

Networking is about making people feel good. A wise old business man, my Grandfather, used to say, “People rarely remember what you do or say, but they always remember how you made them feel”. 

Keep it simple and friendly and you will be successful.