Networking is a process of being able to enter a space have a conversation and act accordingly, being dressed for success and able to create that conversation that will create engagement to your potential clients.

There are three factors that are important to that have to work together: communication, posture and message. If any these are out of sync you will not be able to create high value connections.

Posture

Author Ivan Misner, in the book Networking like a Pro, talks about understanding the room and how you fit in it.

He says it’s all about angles and how everyone is standing and where they are facing.

If you have two participants standing face-to-face, then there is no opportunity to participate in the conversation. If they are in open posture you can interject with a question and join the conversation.

Take this illustration and apply in a big room it will become very evident where you can begin to start your conversations

Dress Attire

“Don’t judge a book by its cover” is a statement that has been made by many. In the networking world its very evident that this is the case and I have witnessed many sharp entrepreneur s and professionals being frustrated in not being able to connect with too many people.

Since the majority of event are “business attire” events, you need to dress accordingly,

That does not mean dressing in a tuxedo, but in some way you have to “feel and look” like you are in one. It will not take long for you to notice who the sharp dressed people in the room are, mostly likely they are speaking to multiple people at the same time. These are the influencers in the room who control the energy and inter-connectivity of the environment.

Communication

Having an engaging communication is important fabric that yields the best results for many master networkers. They key to do this is great questions and strong call to action.

"It's about being in the person shoes and not living there."  Casey Combden.

By being there mind, body and soul and learning what makes them who they are, you can find out if they are pain and offer a solution or compliment them on a unique ability that they may not have noticed to being told about.

Make an impression

An old saying goes: " You only have one chance to make a impression, so make it great one".

When you are communicating, it is important to be clear and concise in your message. Meeting new entrepreneurs at networking event and making a strong first impression will make it easier to follow through and connect with them. Be sure to follow through a few days after meeting them, to discuss further how to your products or services would improve their business.

Use passion and determination to grow your business, while also being aware of you how you present yourself, the way you communicate and how you conduct yourself in different social settings.

Taking the road less travelled to success may lead to taking risks and adjusting your message to attract and create long-term relationship that will be part of your network and provide the business and future referral that will created a profitable business for many years.