Success is all about relationship building. The more people you know and who know you in a favorable way, the better your chances are of succeeding in everything you do. One of the best ways to make contacts and build relationships is to join different business organizations and attend their networking events.

The main objective of networking is to make contacts and build relationships with people who can help you in your career or business. You do this by asking questions, listening carefully to the answers, and be aware of any problems that you can solve at a later date.

To get the most out of a networking event you have to know how to work a room, which is why its important to understand that networking events combine business and pleasure. Here are ten ways to get the most out of any networking event:

1. Develop the proper attitude. This a not only a great marketing opportunity, youre also there to have a good time.

2. Prepare your introduction. Most networking situations give you just a moment to talk about what you do. Clearly say your name and company name, along with a brief statement of what you do. Make it sound fascinating. Rehearse your introduction until it sounds natural, not memorized.

3. Have a ready selection of conversation starters. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for you to continuously educate yourself with industry news and current events. Read the daily newspaper every day, read magazines such as Time, Business Week, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. Read industry trade journals, and watch daily news programs on television. Its also a good idea to be familiar with the current news about which ever organization is sponsoring the event. Be careful to stay away from politics, religion, and sex.

4. Remember, you are not there to look for sales. Youre there to look for leads, prospects, and for problems you can help solve. Look for people who you can network with, and possibly establish a fusion marketing relationship with. Talk to as many people as you can. Dont overlook anyone. You never know when someone who doesnt look like much of a prospect at first turns into a great source of direct business or referrals.

5. Have plenty of business cards, the type that open up into min-brochures. This type of business card is a great conversation starter. You cant give a brochure out at a networking event, so your business cards are the next best thing.

6. Make eye contact and smile. Give your total attention to the other person when he or she is talking. Practice active listening. Show your interest by asking questions and paraphrasing back to the other person so you understand exactly what he or she is saying.

7. Eat and drink in moderation. If you must drink alcohol, nurse one slowly. Never chew gum or smoke, and go easy on the cologne and perfume.

8. The worst thing you can do at a networking event is offend someone. So use humor with discretion or avoid it all together.

9. Not all networking functions have the attendees wear name badges. If they dont, when you meet someone for the first time, repeat his or her name back to them. This helps you remember better. If you do forget a persons name whom you met earlier, dont fake it or guess, just admit it up front and ask the person again.

10. Follow-up immediately after the event with a hand-written note, email, or a phone call. Your follow-up should have a warm and sincere tone, telling the person how much you enjoyed meeting him or her and mention one or two topics that you talked about.

When you attend a networking event, you have to walk a fine line between working and enjoying yourself. An impressive thing to do while working a room is to have a lot of fun. Having fun is an attribute at a networking event. Other people want to be around and talk to people who are fun.

If you want to get the most out of your next networking event, the key is not to work so hard, instead have some fun. Thats the best way to work a room.

Copyright2006 by Joe Love and JLM & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.