If you know what you’re doing, speed networking events can be a highly effective way to make business contacts. If you don’t know what you’re doing, they can be a tiring waste of time.

Here are some tips on deciding which events to attend and how to get the most out of them.

1. Spread yourself around. Don’t attend the same event too often or you’ll end up meeting the same people, or colleagues from the same companies. Wait a while before going along again.
2. Have fun! Relax and be yourself. Don’t take it too seriously and you’ll enjoy the event more and come across better.
3. Wear something distinctive, like a hat or a flower. It’ll help people remember you when you contact them later.
4. Take a pen and make notes about the people you meet. You won’t be able to remember them all later.
5. Take plenty of business cards and hand them out generously. Consider using the back of your cards to list the services you provide.
6. Listen carefully to what people tell you. When it’s your turn to speak, they’ll return the favour.
7. Try to arrive a few minutes early to find out how the evening will work and make a few initial contacts.
8. Have a good idea what you want to tell people.
9. If you meet someone who may be a good contact, try to talk with them after the event.
10. Work out who would be beneficial to know, take their card, and set up a meeting at a later date.
11. Follow up with interesting contacts by email or phone call soon after the event.
12. Consider taking a portfolio of your work to show people.
13. Take it as a chance to meet new people and start building relationships; don’t expect or try to sell anything.

photo credit: b_d_solis