How to get the most out of networking

1. Quotable quote

"Nothing can move your career further and faster than having a base of associates positioned to support you in your goals. Conversely, few things feel better than using your talents to help others achieve their goals. Once considered informal, unstructured and random, networking is now viewed as an essential way of developing professional relationships. It keeps you in touch by connecting you to new people and information. It is one of the highest forms of collaboration."

2. Here's an idea

One of the hardest things to do at a conference or workshop is to start talking to people you’ve never met before. Here’s a strategy for making this easier:

The coffee or lunch queue is a good place to begin. Usually there are at least half a dozen people waiting in line. Strike up a conversation with someone in the line, and then continue that conversation when you leave the queue. But, importantly, talk to the person behind you in the line, so that you can wait for that person after you get served. If you start talking to the person ahead of you, s/he might get their coffee and move away while you’re still being served.

3. Here's an idea

A common mistake many managers make at networking events (seminars, meetings, conferences) is to try to talk to too many people - in an attempt to ‘really get their money’s worth’.

Harvey Mackay, in his book 'Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty', tells managers to spend time with fewer people at such functions. …