The Who

We All Have To Go Sometime...
...to a large networking event, that is.

Large networking events can be overwhelming and intimidating. But you have probably heard the adage that it's not who you know, not what you know. Well, networking is how you get to know the who.

I think everyone knows that you can't show-up and collect business cards, especially since most everyone at any networking event is trying hard to sell something to you. Heck, they didn't go the the networking events to buy something from you!

So, here are four ways to make networking more fun and effective for you.

1) Do your homework - Find out what kind of businesses will be represented. Ask the event organizer about who is expected to attend, based on the marketing that was done for the event. Find out about the sponsor and anything else you can about the event.

2) Set goals for the event - Identify the 4 or 5 people that you really want to meet (targets). Perhaps these are the "connectors" of the event - the people who know everyone and can introduce you to other key referral contacts.

3) Find your targets - Work from the inside of the room, out. Start in the middle, as this is where the "important" people hang out. Most of them will cut out early. The wall-flowers will always be there. When meeting people, focus on them - ask them questions about their business and how you might be able to help them by introducing them to people you know. More than likely, they will ask you about your business. Keep your interaction short and use the conversation to see if they can introduce you to one of your key targets.

4) Follow-up - After the event, make sure you follow up by sending referrals or a contact to the people you met, in order to help their business. Be of service - be the connector, yourself. By helping them, you will make them want to help you. This will build the relationship and start you on your way to building a network of people.

Zig Zigler said, "You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help others get what they want."

Be the connector and have fun meeting and helping others get what they want!