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You’ve heard it before… to grow your business you need to network. Networking, though is more than attending a meeting, shaking a few hands and handing out a business card; effective networking involves building relationships with the individuals you meet at networking events.

Here are five ways to enhance the time you spend at networking events:

  1.  Preparation counts. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, you won’t know who you need to connect with. Network at events where your potential clients gather.
  2. Show an interest. Yes, you’re at a networking event to build your circle of clients and connections, but you’re there to build relationships. Take an interest in the people with whom you’re interacting.
  3. Engage in meaningful conversations. Keep up on current events so when you’re networking you can talk about more than the weather. Be the witty conversationalist that people want to spend more time with.
  4. You’re there to make connections, not sell a product or service. A networking event is not the time to work on closing the deal. It’s the time to make enough of a connection with someone that you will have a follow up meeting to discuss how you can be of mutual assistance.
  5. Follow up is crucial. Strike while the iron is hot. Once you’ve met a prospect, make certain you follow up. Set up a time to meet for coffee to further your discussion. Make certain you have a set of follow up tools – ie, newsletters, email contact, greeting cards, etc.

Networking is an art and a skill that can, and must be, learned if you want to remain successful in your career.