How to Network & Socialize Effectively: A Comprehensive Guide

More on networking from The Art of Manliness. Be sure to check out part one from yesterday.

This article is based off my experience and lays out the steps I took to ensure my time spent out on the town was worthwhile. 

Here’s the scenario: You’re in a large city, heading to an upscale evening social event. You’re attending the event alone, and you know no one prior to arriving. There is alcohol being served, yet you will be speaking with people about business opportunities. 

This is my advice on how to prepare for a night of networking and socializing, and how to make the most of this opportunity. In order to bring all the information together in one place, and create a comprehensive guide, I’ve included new information we haven’t covered before, a review of some important things that we have, and links to past articles for those who want more details on a specific subject. Hope you find it helpful.

Networking is an important aspect of every business owners' life. We might as well learn how to do it right.

Before You Go: Basic Logistics

1. Know Where You’re Going
2. Know How You’re Getting Home
3. Know the Environment

Networking Preparation: How to Be Ready for Success

1. Know Who Will Be There
2. Carry Business Cards — Plenty of Them
3. Carry a Pen. In Fact, Carry Two.
4. Silence Your Cell Phone — And Check It in Private

Personal Presentation: How to Dress and Behave for Success

1. Look Neat
2. Dress Appropriately for the Occasion
3. Behave Politely

How to Circulate: The Art of Small Talk

1. Arrive Early
2. Mingle Actively
3. Learn Names — And Use Them

Mingling is always the hardest part for me. Casey Eberhart, The Ideal Networker, says to arrive early and act like the unofficial greeter by greeting everyone at the door as they come in.

Follow-Up: After the Event

The day after the event is the time to follow up on any contacts you’ve made. Resist the urge to send any sort of follow-up the same night — that can seem either overeager or pushy, or both. Give it until mid-morning the next day.

That's an interesting thought. I'd always heard it was best to follow up immediately. Check out this blog post on the 24/7/30 system by Dr. Ivan Misner, the founder of BNI. If you're going to send a nice to meet you card, go ahead and send it immediately after the event.

There are a few follow-ups you should always send:

• A note to the host, if relevant.
• A short note to anyone who gave you their contact info.
• A longer, specific letter to anyone you’re hoping to do business with.

We all know the fortune is in the follow up and SendOutCards is the premier system for following up. Feel free to send me an email. Or call or text me at (707)685-1382.

Interesting days

Today - Pink Day, Levi Strauss Day, Personal Chef Day, Inconvenience Yourself Day, For Pete’s Sake Day, Pistachio Day and Tell A Fairy Tale Day

Tomorrow - Pokémon Day, World NGO Day, Kahlua Day, Chilli Day, Strawberry Day, Digital Learning Day and Polar Bear Day

Next Wednesday - Grammar Day, Marching Band Day, Toy Soldier Day, World Maths Day, Pound Cake Day and International Scrapbooking Industry Day

Week long celebrations:

March 1 - 7: Women in Construction Week

March 2 - 8: Return Borrowed Books Week

March 2 - 8: World Orphan Week

March 2 - 8: Universal Human Beings Week

 March 26 - Purple Day, Spinach Day, Make Up Your Own Holiday Day and Nougat Day