As a member of a weekly breakfast group, I regularly deliver educational content to members on networking skills. To the uninitiated, my advice (when attending an event) is to identify someone alone and approach them or alternatively look for two people standing at ninety degrees to each other. The reason being, a ninety degree stance reflects an open posture and invites a third person. In contrast, two people directly facing each other are discussing business and it is rude to disturb them.
Once you have approached someone, say ‘Hello’, make some brief small talk (to break the ice) and ask ‘who are you’ and ‘what do you do’? In a short space of time you should be able to establish what line of work they are in; whether they specialise in any particular field; how long they have been established and if you can put them in touch with someone useful who might need their services or could supply them with something they need.
Now the most important thing to achieve from the person to whom you are speaking is enough curiosity for them to ask for your business card. It is simply good manners to wait until you are asked because if you force your card it reflects badly on yourself and even more so on your business. Once you are asked however, it is an ideal opportunity to ask for their card in return. You should then be kind enough to let your new contact continue meeting other people and of course, you should move on and meet more people yourself.
