Use these questions to think back about the last networking event you attended. Then, use each question to create your plan for the next event you will attend.

1. Who did I meet? How many names do I remember? Can I be on the lookout for a lead or resource for each of them?

2. Did I meet new people, as well as re-connect with people I already knew?

3. How many times was I "a great connector," introducing people to other people?

4. Do I know who the leaders of the group are? Did I greet them, become known to them, help them?

5. How was I visible to the whole group and what role did I play? Did I make an announcement, act as a host, get mentioned by the speaker, act as a catalyst to spark greetings and conversation at my table, exhibit something, provide a door prize?

6. Am I looking for a way to become more involved with the group? Did I talk with leaders about ways to use my expertise?

7. Did I arrive early (bonus points!) or at least on time?

8. What kinds of information, resources, promotional items, etc. did I give away?

9. What plans did I make to extend the event beyond the event? Did I make it easy to re-connect? To call someone, meet for coffee, have lunch, set an appointment?

10. Did I exchange business cards? With whom? Did I have a good reason? Did I jot down a reminder on the card to help me take the next step?

11. Did I listen generously to find a way to provide something of value to my conversation partners? How did that build the relationship?

12. What follow-up did I do (within 5 days, bonus points!)? Did I phone, write a thank you note, send something of interest, complete a referral?

Lynne Waymon & Anne Baber are experts in bringing in the business through networking and visibility. Their keynotes, workshops, sales kickoffs, books, and tapes are used nationwide by corporations and associations. They can be reached at 1-800-352-2939 or http://www.contactscount.com/.

Read more about networking.
Read about how to introduce yourself.
Read about creative uses of business cards.

Copyright 1998 Anne Baber & Lynne Waymon. All rights reserved.