Real networking is not about collecting the biggest pile of business cards.
It's about the real connections between people.
I hate it when clients tell me that networking events don't "work" for them, that they never meet anyone and they never get business. The reason they don't work is that they don't understand how to maximize their own success at events.
Rule number 1: Don't try to sell anything to anyone at a networking event. You just met this new person, if you overwhelm them or are pushy, you will never do business with them or get a referral from them.
Rule number 2: Don't worry about meeting everyone in the room. Make one or two genuine connections and then follow up with these individuals and get to know each other in a separate follow up meeting, coffee or phone conversation.
Rule number 3: The best networking frequently happens outside of formal networking events. My favorite networking story is about Michael Bloomberg, the mayor of New York City who met the man who would become the CEO of his company Bloomberg LLC while both of them were watching their daughters at horse shows decades ago. Fruitful conversations can pop up anywhere and lead to great things...if you are open to them.
Rule number 4: Reciprocate and be gracious. (all right it's kind of two rules) Networking is a two-way street. Make sure that you are giving help, leads, suggestions, introductions if you are asking for them. And if a referral you made turns into a genuine connection for you, remember to circle back to the person who made that happen. I like SendOutCards as an easy way to drop something in the mail, but even an email is better than forgetting to thank the person!
If you are in Southern California, I encourage you to learn more from me at my Networking for Success class at the Conejo Adult School on Saturday, October 20th. (I'll also be doing my Integrated Web Marketing program the same day). More details at the
Conejo Adult School site.