A master networker carefully selects networking events based on those that large numbers of his ideal customers attend. He has a carefully prepared client-attractive business card, an interesting and unique elevator speech that is thought-provoking, and he knows how to engage the person he is speaking to. He knows the goal is to get the next step, and he gets it. He goes home, and the next day does the necessary follow-up to make it happen.

I decided to share with you the top 3 strategies from International Influencers in the Social Media Marketing Network Club so that you could put them to good use in your business:

1. For networking at a conference or exhibition: look up other attendees/exhibitors/visitors on Twitter first and start engaging before the event. There are circumstances when you can do this weeks ahead (e.g. tweeting exhibitors), and you can then proceed to set up meetings or appointments on the day of the event etc. I have found this to be is very effective. (Paul Chatterton, Founder, Talking Holistic, United Kingdom)
2. People need to believe you believe in what you’re doing. Being you is all you can be; faking it to make it is so dated. Talk, but listen more; after all, you’re the one who’ll share things — you’re invaluable. Never bowl in and start talking about yourself; wait to be asked. (Mark Longbottom, Social Media Expert, Ocia Media, United Kingdom)
3. Two words: Givers Gain. Give first, generously, over time. BNI, the world’s largest referral network, measures this, and across borders and cultures it always shows the same — the member that contributes is the member that gets back. (Edgar Valdmanis, Owner, EVC – Edgar Valdmanis Consulting, Norway)

Becoming a master networker is important for the success of your business, and practice really does make perfect.