Have you got a networking strategy, other than talk and eat?

Today I went back to networking after and absence of a couple of months.

Mostly I was just pleased to be going to a lunch that had chips; but on the drive over I thought I better just re-think my strategy and set myself some goals to make sure I was making the most of my time:

1. Arrive on time or a little early if you can. It is easier to speak to people in a less crowded room, less daunting and you are more likely to get to meet and chat to new people who have arrived early on their first visit.

2. Think about how you can be memorable. Today I relaunched myself as Push Start Marketing, as opposed to an employee of Urban Element, so I took presents for everyone with my new cards.

3. Have a clear idea of who your perfect client/customer/connection would be so you'll recognise them easier when you meet them, or the questions you need to ask to qualify them.

4. ALWAYS sit next to someone you don't know or haven't had a decent conversation with before.

5. Think about what you are promoting, your blog, website, event or just ask for Twitter followers. Make sure you mention it and invite people to come and speak to you in your 60 seconds.

6. Make 60 seconds, 60 seconds. Some of these turn into mini presentations. Let the group know who you want to speak to/work with " ...anyone who has no money to spend on marketing...". and what you're promoting my workshops and leave it at that.

7. Take the cards of the new people you met. Write a note on them where you got them and if there is any synegy or you need to contact them/follow them up

8. Ask the group/individuals if they would be happy for you to contact them if you have an event to promote

9. Go follow them all on Twitter. Even if you have not talked to them, a follow on twitter is a very light touch.

10. This one is just for a round number... practise your 60 seconds in the car on the way, make it friendly interesting, and too the point - give the room a reason to come a speak to you.
" ..is this driving you nuts? I can fix this... ...come speak to me if you're fed up with....."