I am a self-confessed Networking Junkie.  I don’t apologize for this addiction.  As a matter of fact, I enjoy sharing my habit with others.  As I have incorporated  basic networking tactics and  sophisticated power team strategies ino my small business , I have seen a positive impact .  Most of my clients are the result of a referrals or introduction by a friend, busienss associate, or former client.

I love learning new networking skills and always enjoy hanging out with Hazel Walker, of the Referral Instititute and Tony Scelzo.  These two local professionals are experts at building powerful relationship circles and I enjoy being in their circles.

And I really like it when I find other writers around the net sharing their strategies for building relationships.  This list is from Chris Brogan, a social media expert, he doesn’t even refer to this as a networking list, but that’s how I would classify his suggestions on how to stand out at a conference, reception or other social/business event.  Chris Brogan says:

Ten Ways to Stand Out at an Event

  1. Be sexier. Confidence matters tons.
  2. Remember that you’re every bit as important as the person you’re meeting. Not pompous or arrogant; just important.
  3. Don’t push your agenda. Just get to know me. We can do business any time. Just meet me. We’ll do business later.
  4. Share. Give people things (and things can be information, ideas, introductions to others).
  5. Praise other people. The more you tell me about yourself, the more I wonder if you’re cocky/arrogant.
  6. Share the air. If you talk and talk and talk and I nod and smile the whole time, I’m happy, but also probably not going to remember much about you.
  7. Brevity is okay, but also knowing a nugget about what makes you passionate is great. If you say, “I’m really into surfing,” then I’ve got lots to ask you. If you say, “I love your tweets,” I can say thank you.
  8. Introduce me to someone else. I love meeting your friends, too.
  9. Bring your best ideas. If you’ve got something to run by me, it’s okay if it’s brief. Share the nugget, not the riverbed.
  10. Know that coffee and beer trump breakfast or dinner. People often want to continue talking over a meal. It’s hard to meet with lots of people and take an hour or more for a meal. Coffee or beer works just fine. : )

What would you add to the list?