Tip 1: Build Relationships. Building relationships is what networking is about. If you turn a contact into a businesses relationship, you will remain top of mind for business referrals.

Tip 2: Don’t Give Out Your Business Card. Don’t just build a cardboard connection by giving everyone you meet your business card and consider that networking. Do not give out your business card unless you are asked. When someone asks for your card that means s/he has an interest in what you do and will keep it. Otherwise, it will probably get tossed or lost.

Tip 3: Be Interested before being Interesting. It’s not all about you. People will connect with you more easily if you express interest in them and their business needs, issues, and success.

Tip 4: Ask Questions. Everyone likes to talk about her/himself. Asking open-ended questions is a great way to learn and connect with others.

Tip 5: Be Authentic. Be yourself. Be genuine when asking questions and listening. Don’t approach networking like a contest or performance.

Tip 6: Be Positive. Accentuate the positive. Complaining is a turn off. Find something good to say even if you are not satisfied with the speaker, venue, food, etc. Others enjoy being around positive people. Be the “cup is half-full” type.

Tip 7: Be Well Read. Being fluent in topics in the news, issues in your industry, or recent bestseller business books. This information can be a good conversation starter and source of questions, especially with a new contact.

Tip 8: Be Generous. Listen. Suggest resources. Offer to help.

Tip 9: It’s Who Knows You- Not Who You Know. Introduce yourself to others. When you ask a question in a meeting or lecture, always introduce yourself – and always have a good question to ask. This is a way to get “face time” with the group.

Tip 10: Have a Presence. Create an impression. Do this by the way you dress, the way you speak, act, shake hands, and move about the room. Wear an interesting (and appropriate) piece of clothing, or a distinctive accessory. This can be a conversation starter and make you more memorable.

Tip 11: Be Articulate. Think before you speak. Avoid rambling or going off on tangents. Speak in a concise and precise way.

Tip 12: Don’t Cling! Circulate. Don’t talk to only one person or your friends at a networking event. Go up to others and introduce yourself …especially if this is a stretch for you.

Tip 13: Have an Exit Strategy. When someone is clinging to you, because you are friendly and easy to talk with, you will need a way to break free. One technique that works is to invite the clinger to circulate with you. It is easier than just walking away. Simply say, “I want to go over and talk to________- why don’t you join me and I’ll introduce you.”

Tip 14: Follow up. If you have offered to provide a resource or contact, follow up in a timely fashion. For highly valued contacts, send a follow up e-mail with a resource or comment on a key point from your conversation. This will keep you on their radar screen and in their database.

Tip 15: Stay Connected. Have a follow up strategy for all key contacts. Staying in touch is as easy as forwarding a link to an interesting website, a program, or an article. Attentive listening and asking questions will help you know what is of interest. This will keep your network warm. Don’t overlook a magazine or newspaper clipping with a personal note. It is so unusual these days it makes a real impression.

Bonus Tip: At every networking event, you will be asked the question - what you do- innumerable times. This means you must have the answer the question “What do you do?” ready to roll off your tongue in a clear and concise way. For a tip sheet on developing your elevator speech, sometimes called a thirty second commercial contact Jean@JeanCaton.com Message line- E-Speech Tip Sheet.