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Before you attend your next networking meeting, mixer or event, you need to have a specific goal in mind as to what you want to get out of the event and if it justifies the costs in terms of money and time. 

 

Remember, you’re not there for the food and drink and for the socialization. You’re there to network strategically, and to plant the seeds to form new relationships and enhance relationships you already have or are growing.

 

Before committing to the event, call the organization and ask them who will be attending.

How often is the event held and what the structure of the event is like. Is it a mixer? Is it a structured meeting? Is it a breakfast, lunch or dinner?

 

What is the dress code? Most networking events call for business attire, however in other parts of the country and the world, business casual may be acceptable. Sometimes it may be a very casual event. You don’t want to go to a luau in a suit and tie but you wouldn’t want to show up in jeans and sneakers at a professional affair.

 

When you decide to commit to attending, before you go, ask yourself:

• How many new people do you want to meet?

• Are there key people who you would like to be introduced to?

• Who do you know at the event that may provide you with the introduction? If you know someone who will be attending the event, contact them in advance and ask them would they be willing to introduce you to those people

 

After the event contact the host and ask if they would be willing to make their attendee list available to all participants. This is important for following up with those that you meet, in addition to those you don’t meet due to time constraints. For those you didn’t meet, you can send them a quick note in the mail, saying “I’m sorry I missed you at the event but I would appreciate meeting you at or before the next one”.

 

One goal that you should always have when going to any networking function is best summed up by Dale Carnegie who said:

“You must have a good time meeting people if you expect them to have a good time meeting you.”

 

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