Strategies for Effective Networking

Start-Up and Exit

Enter with confidence.
Approach groups of 3 or more to avoid breaking into personal/intense conversations.
Use prepared starter lines (comment on the food, facility, group, traffic).
Limit time with one individual to 5-10 minutes (depending upon time of event).
Work out a rescue signal with your "networking buddy" so you're never stranded.
Use prepared exit-lines. (Excuse me, I have to talk to X, I enjoyed our talk..)
Thank the host/hostess before exiting.

RSVP and don't show up without RSVPing.
Inquire about dress code and dress to blend in with people attending the event.
Place name tag on right hand side so people can read it easily as you shake hands.
Shake hands firmly.
Stack your napkin, plate, glass and food on one hand so as to keep the other free to greet people.
Smile and let people know that you are enjoying the event and their company.
Make eye contact and avoid shopping the room as you talk.
Nod to let people know you are listening.
Listen carefully and illustrate genuine interest.
Care about people you meet - make people feel as if you've been waiting all week to meet.
Always keep conversation positive, avoiding negative comments (Isn't this room awful).

Use one-sentence, prepared self-introduction.
Introduce (present) a person to the more respected person(commoner to queen, younger to older, junior staff to senior, executive to client -Ms. Wilson, I'd like you to meet (to present) my daughter, Stacie. Stacie this is Ms. Barbara Wilson, president of our company).
Demonstrate an interest in current events and talk about an item you've just read about.
Ask relevant (but not prying) questions to show interest and keep conversation rolling.
Respond by relating a situation to the one just discussed.
Use some pre-prepared pleasant self-revelations to help people to get to know you.
Focus on making people comfortable and putting them at ease with your small talk.
Indicate interest by suggesting dates and times when you would be available to talk more (e.g. when ending conversation with one individual).
Make tickler notes on back of people's business cards as soon as you are done with the event.
Show honest interest by following through on your promises.
Write a thank-you note to the host.

The Honest Approach: Hi, I don't believe we've met. I am X.. I am the meeting manager in the Sales group of XYZ Company. I have been curious to meet you and I'm glad you could make it to tonight's event..
Hi, I was looking for some one to talk to. Can I join you folks?
The Fade-In: I heard you guys talk about xyz.. I recently read this article on XTZ..
Flattery Entry:
Wrong: Hey, Look at you clothes.. They just look so marvelous.
Right: I heard laughter from a distance and humor always attracts me.

Remain calm if others are rude to you.
Be conscious of your body language.
Don't try to anticipate or control other people's thoughts.
Be an active listener.
Find out about people attending the event.
Make a list of people you'd like to meet.
Prepare how you will introduce yourself to them and do a little research about their interests(but don't stalk).
Don't be pushy - be gentle and polite.