For the upcoming savvy networker number one on this list might sound silly, but it is really crucial to the whole game and some people do miss it, believe it or not!

• Show up!

What? Is it really that simple? Yes it is. If you are not there nothing can be done. Here where I live for instance, we have tons of opportunity to network in the early morning. That means you have to get out of that comfy bed and be there in time to mingle around, get the breakfast, hear the lecture, presentation, discussion, interview, whatever is on the agenda, and make sure you have the number two with you!

• Have a business card!

Some of you might think I’m kidding with this list of mine, but oh now! This is a problem I have encountered so many times. Either people don’t have a card or anything at all, or they come with things that really are too big to be practical for the receiver. And it is the person on the other end that is important, not yourself.

When I get brochures, postcards, papers, magazines, booklets etc. I might not have a bag to put them in when I’m there, but above all they are very impractical to file when I come back to my office. If you have big things to hand over to the prospect it is ok, but do have a regular business card too.

• Start talking to people!

This one is usually quite a challenge to the newbie. It was for me! The talking to people is what this whole game is all about. Like it or not, it is a question of practice and getting yourself out of you comfort zone. Standing in a corner looking around or just staying with someone you already know is not networking. As with every new endeavour you will make mistakes and that has to be ok. You can regard it as experiences that you can look back at later with a smile.

For now it is only about talking to people but do not, and I mean NOT pitch you opportunity! You are not there to pitch you are only there to find new contacts that you might help in the future, if you like them and they like you.

• Focus on them!

Most people make the fatal mistake of talking too much about themselves. Don’t fall into that trap, please. Focus on the other person and ask questions. The art of asking question could have an article dedicated to the subject itself so for now I’ll just say ask questions that require more than yes or no as answers.

When you start with phrases like; How did you…, When is…, What have your…, Why couldn’t it… they will give you some real information that can be a gold mine for a later occasion.

If you felt nice with the person and they did ask some interested questions back, you can ask for their card and make sure to give yours back.

• Do not stay to long!

As with the “start talking to people”, learn to move on. The point is to find new people whom you can turn into customers or business partners or perhaps even friends, but that is for the future and the seventh point in this list. Tell them you appreciated to talk to them and that you will be back on the phone or email to book a lunch or have a coffee at a later point

• Remember who they are!

This is crucial! Step aside and make some notes either on their card, if there is a blank somewhere or in a notebook. If you have a small recording device like a smart phone you can also make a voice note for your self. Whatever works best. Personally I prefer writing on the card. Then I have everything in one place. It is especially important if I have promised them something like a link or a referral of some sort.

• Follow up!

If it is crucial to remember people it is absolutely mandatory to follow up! Without the follow up nothing will happen. I am a very seasoned networker these days and I know that I will be the one calling, because most people never, ever do anything with those cards! This puts you in an excellent position, as they are being approached by someone with integrity, whom sticks to their word. You said you where going to contact them back and lo and behold, you did! When you on top of that give them what you promised you will be remembered and become an important person in their memory bank.

Now get your calendar out and book some of those networking events out there. It could be Lions, Rotary, a workshop, BNI or even a party. Keep those business card in every purse and pocket, you never know when they will come handy!