Do you have a plan when you walk into a networking event? Have you put some thought into what your goals are for this meeting? Most people do not spend much time preparing for networking success. The normal process for most networkers is to grab a handful of business cards, take a peek at their upcoming schedules and head out to the gathering.
Planning is an important component of effective networking. Spending a few minutes engineering a networking event strategy can greatly enhance your business success. Here are a few elements to consider:
Your introduction. Be sure to change up your introduction from time to time. Keep it short, clear and interesting. Remember to add in something about yourself that others can connect to, in case they do not relate to your business this week.
Your request. Take a few minutes before you arrive to decide on your request for the group. This specific call for help should be concise. “I’m looking to meet roofers this week.” “Can anyone introduce me into the XYZ company?”
Your mission. Be sure to have a mission for each event. This could be scheduling 2 one-on-ones or meeting four new people. Your goal may be engaging a particular member of the group or following up with a key business partner. If you go into a meeting without a mission, you are wishing for something to happen, instead of making something happen.
Your appreciation. Be prepared to thank those who have assisted your business. Be specific on how they helped you. If you need to write this information down, do so, but trying to “wing it” can be messy.
Your involvement. Be primed to engage the other members of the group both professionally and personally. Make ready to connect. Showing up at a networking function and passing out business cards will not achieve much these days. The key to networking is connecting.
Your supplies. Bring your schedule, your business cards, your “thank-yous” and your notepad. Preparation allows you to concentrate on your mission and on your fellow networkers.
Networking events can be fun, rewarding and extremely productive for your business and career. Don’t just wish for success, plan for it!
Jeff on 
Jeff closson on 
Great points, Brad. I wonder if there is a direct correlation between the level of planning a business owner does going into a networking event and the level of planning they have in their business in general?
Are you sure that it’s not better to just play “Business Card Aerobics” and try to collect as many business cards as humanly possible, then spam them all with my newsletter?
Kidding!
Seriously though, you make excellent points here. I especially like the idea of having a mission – I often see people milling around networking groups drinking coffee and hoping for the best. I will say that having a mission that does not involve making a sale that day is critical. Nobody likes that guy.
Thanks as always for your awesome insights!
“Business Card Aerobics” is a great way to explain many events. That’s funny. A little planning and ORGANIZATION goes a long way. Thanks for sharing MD.
Great blog! This is particularly helpful for introverts like me that get tired at the mere thought of a networking event. This plan is definitely doable for the networking challenged.
“Networking challenged.” I like that. That could be a great title for another blog. Thanks for the note. I agree that having a plan cuts down of the worry of “what to do.”
This makes sense Brad. In the past, I have found the bigger and more established an event, the tendency there is to just let the event take over. Moving into different directions that had nothing to do with your original plan for being there. That seems to be an easy trap the more people are involved.