By Professor Kerry Szymanski

1. Set Goals

a. Why are you attending the networking event? What do you hope to achieve?

2. Make a great first impression! Based on appearance alone, in less than 7 seconds, someone meeting you for the first time has made up their mind about you.

a. Professional appearance – dress up and feel fabulous!

b. Strong sincere handshake

3. Conversation

a. Have a “30 second elevator speech” – what you do and why you’re attending the networking event.

4. Introduce yourself to someone new

a. “Hi my name is…”

b. Ask a question…Spend 99% of your time asking questions and listen.

c. Be genuine and authentic – build trust

d. Call them by name

e. Ask for their business card

5. Mingle!

a. Be careful not to hide behind the food or get stuck in conversations that do not meet your networking criteria. Don’t talk too long to people you already know. Forge ahead and meet new contacts.

6. Introduce people you’ve met to other people

7. Turn off your cell phone and don’t chew gum

8. Bring Business cards and a pen

a. Write down notes on the business cards you obtain

9. Follow-through

a. Follow-up with people you connected with by sending a thank you note/email.

10. Questions to ask:

a. How did you get started in your career?

b. Who is your dream customer?

c. What do you love about your work?