Working a room full of people at a networking event requires strategy and skill. Especially considering that everyone has the same goals of connecting with as many people as they can, in a short period of time. How can you meet as many of the right people as possible in the limited time that you have available?


Strategic Networking

The first step is to discover which people you want to start a business relationship with. Don’t try to do this with everyone. Otherwise, you will find that you will have little time for a meaningful conversation and end up making much less of an impact on the people whom you meet. Most people at networking events will make a brief introduction and tell you what they do. This will help you to focus on your “shortlist” of those whom you want to make an impact upon. After you introduce yourself, explain in a few sentences why you believe that it would be mutually beneficial to have a business relationship with them.

Be strategic, and because you have a limited amount of time get a “feel” for the room. Since most people tend to congregate in groups, move between groups, picking up the tenor of the conversation in each group, before approaching any one person. At the same time, try to talk with everyone you have identified as important.  Look for important cues in conversation that will allow you to break the ice and find common ground with them. Don’t try to corner anyone as this will make the person feel trapped and uncomfortable.