Regardless of how large the networking event you're attending is, it's important to focus on quality not quantity.

Whether you're in a room with 30 people or 300 other networkers your agenda should be the same. Have a small number of meaningful conversations before the end of the event. Depending on the duration of the event we're probably only talking about 3-5 good conversations.

3 may seem like a very small number, but remember that to be a successful networker you have to follow-up. It's easy to follow-up with 3 people. It's a lot more difficult to effectively follow-up with 30.

In the course of your conversations be listening for a way that you can help the other person. This may be a referral, or a resource you can share with them. This becomes your reason for following-up. At this point I will often write a quick note on the back of their card to remind myself how I can help.

Shortly after the event, reestablish contact with the person you met and share your referral or resource with them. This is also a good time to suggest getting together to really get to know each other a little better.

That one on one meeting is where real networking begins!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com

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