1 ) Prepare before attending the meeting or event. Plan to do more than show up and "wing it." When your objective is to make professional contacts, prepare for the event, just as you would for an important business meeting. Research the group or organization in advance, know what types of industry or profession will be represented, determine how you will introduce yourself, how you will initiate conversations, and what your goals will be for the event overall and individual conversations.
2 ) Maximize the time spent at the meeting or event. Rather than sitting down at your assigned table and only speaking to the individuals on either side of you, plan to proactively mingle with the other members or attendees. Make sure to check My Sphere before the event starts and try to meet as many people as you can on your suggested connections list. Take the time to learn something about them and try to ask them any question other than "What do you do?" Look for ways that you can be of service to them- being viewed as a resource is a sure way to be remembered.
3) Follow-up after the event. The biggest mistake people make is to fail to follow-up with the individuals they meet at networking events. Write a short, personal email or text message to each individual you meet and comment on something you discussed at the event. When appropriate, provide information or reference a book or article which would interest the other person to demonstrate that you listened and remember them individually.
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