The January 31, 2001, Meeting Management Newsletter reported that, based on results from a recent survey, networking opportunities accounted for 15.1% of the satisfaction an attendee derives from a meeting or conference. In fact, only program/speaker quality and facility service rated above it. As a leader within your organization, you not only need to provide networking opportunities, you also need to learn how to make the most of that time for yourself.

One factor to be aware of is your demeanor as you enter a networking situation. It is important that you appear to be comfortable and relaxed around business associates. Even if you’re coming off of one of the most hectic and exasperating days of your life, you need to appear comfortable and at ease. Take a few deep breaths before you enter the room. Visualize yourself talking with people in a calm and easy way. Let all of your troubles go before you enter that room so you can show a confident and successful side of yourself.

Another important aspect of networking is to remember to be interested in those around you. Not only will you benefit by developing interest in, or knowledge of, new subjects and endeavors, but you will also benefit enormously from simply learning how to be interested in other people and the things that they have to say. Regardless of whether other people’s ideas comments fit within our own value structure and beliefs, we can always benefit by learning about them. Train yourself to truly listen to others. Don’t allow yourself to look around to see who might be walking in the door or to find someone with a more impressive title to talk with. Make the person you are talking to feel special by giving him or her your undivided attention, even if only for a few moments. The extra energy it takes to do that is worth it. The other party will remember you and the attention you gave. When you make someone else feel important, the favor can be returned in any number of ways.

Learn to be a bit assertive: assertive in asking for a business card from someone whom you’ve found shares a common interest; assertive in asking people for their names or apologizing if you forgot a name; assertive in making an appointment to hear more about someone’s business and ways that you could work together on certain items. I am not suggesting being assertive with people’s emotions or yours--however, I am suggesting that you accept and take advantage of the opportunities that are right in front of you. Don’t let your inhibitions prevent you from acting. It is natural to be apprehensive about rejection or fearful that another person won’t be interested in your ideas, but so what? The worst thing that can happen is that the other party will reject your thoughts--not reject you, just your idea. So be it. Accept the fact and move on to someone who is interested!

Businesses, organizations and associations are built on relationships with other people. Networking can be intimidating and create anxiety if you allow it to, but it doesn’t have to be. Do your part to create and maintain networking skills that will bring abundant opportunities your way.