Summary: Very few people are at ease striking up a conversation in a room full of strangers. Here are some simple ways to make network meetings and speaking events more productive and  fun. Do you enjoy one-on-one networking, however, the thought of walking into room full of people you don't know horrifies you? You're not alone. Yes, even an introverted 1:1 social butterfly, President of the Social Committee in High School, and avid networker knows how you feel. Here are some of my tricks. And they have all worked! Registration Volunteer A great way to network at a conference is to volunteer at the registration desk. Why? You get to say hello to everyone who registers

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Networking strategically is important all the time and a very good use of our expense money. I learned that on Wall Street when I had an expense account . Every now and then my boss would notice a name on my AMEX card that he didn't recognize. I had to explain the "who what where" of our meeting, then it as approved. Networking strategically in these economic times is imperative. It "puts the boss back into our businesses" when we wear our boss hat and watch who we're spending time with or where we're spending our training or networking dollars. And it's so important to capture the attention (or repel people) at meetings or even through

An elevator speech (verbal logo, business snapshot) or Unique Selling Proposition (USP) is a "must have" for networking. But so are the answers to many other basic questions, too. These maybe questions that business owners don't readily have their own answers to but should! They aren't as neatly answered by your USP, so consider practicing your response to each of them. How? Use your mirror and practice on your family and friends. Think about networking as a job interview with several interviewers--and as with an interview, you have to think about your experiences and sum them up neatly, demonstrating how your expertise benefits others. And remember. When you're networking and you ask someone these questions and

I submitted a question on Linked in regarding creating sales scripts… When creating your first script, let’s say for follow up with someone you met at a networking event, what recommendations do you offer a newbie to script writing? Do you recommend any websites as resources I received this great answer from John and have his permission to use it here on my blog. Enjoy. It’s full of great advice. When you look at developing a script, there are 6 steps to follow for the call to be effective. 1. Have clear and defined strategy, reason for the contact and best practices. 2. Understand each of the objectives you are attempting to reach. 3. Have an