When it comes to networking at events I frequently hear advice along the lines of: Don't talk to people you know, you should be focused on meeting new people.

I completely disagree with this advice. Only talking with co-workers whom you see everyday is one thing (I don't recommend you spend a lot of time with them), but having the opportunity to reconnect with people you've met before at events makes tons of sense. First of all, when was the last time you had an opportunity to visit or chat with them? What a great opportunity to touch base in person and deepen your relationship.

Here's where everyone asks: But what about meeting new people? I won't meet new people if I only talk with the people I already know.

You'll actually have better opportunities to meet new people when you're visiting with your friends. Just make sure you appear to be open to having people join your conversation. Don't stand directly face to face and appear closed off. Instead stand next to each other which is a way of inviting more people to join you. When someone comes up you now have an opportunity to introduce each other rather than giving your own self focused elevator pitch. You'll frequently find that your networking buddy will say nicer things about you than you can get away with saying about yourself. Now you've made a new connection and already have some built in credibility as provided by your friend. Now be sure you do the same thing for them.

This is a highly effective strategy once you've been networking for a while. You'll start to see numerous people you've met before. In one event you may find that you're able to reconnect with a half-dozen or more people you've met before, and meet some new people in the process. All of this over the course of an event that is just a couple of hours long. This may be even more effective than if you'd tried to call those same people... You'd probably get their voicemail anyway.

Give it a try. Which works better for you? Only talking to people you've never met at a networking event, or taking the opportunity to reconnect with those you have. Which is more fun and enjoyable?

Happy Networking!

-Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com