You have been invited to an important business networking event. You walk into the room and there are over hundred people mingling. Are you intimidated or are you planning how you are going to “work the room?” I have been in this position a number of times and it takes me a few moments to strategize a plan. Sometimes, before I even enter the event I set a goal for myself.

For instance, collecting 100 business cards without knowing the person is the same as “cold calling” to me. Instead, my approach is to meet ten people during the evening and get into meaningful conversations with them. After the event, this is the part which is always a struggle, I focus on entering the contacts into my prospect database. Then I send them either a handwritten note or an email depending upon the formality of the occasion.

Tell me your best networking advice and we will compile a “Top Networking Tips sheet for the community.