Here is a 10 tips i have learned through personal experience about networking with others at events;
1) Don't worry about your appearance too much or what others may think of you in that room-the chances are that they are also thinking the same thing as well. Obviously you dont want to look unapproachable so attitude and professionalism is key.
2) Don't arrive at a swanky venue for a professionals networking event in a ball of sweat after cycling/running/sprinting into town to get fit. It doesnt really benefit your company or you in the light of those who are there also present.
3)Enjoy the evening-it will be over before you can say 'merger'.
4)Don't drink too much-you may come across a little unfocused and unsettled.
5)Always have plenty of business cards at the ready to swap with others. It may help to write down their details on a blank index card if you can associate their name and company with any outstanding feature/characteristic. Even engage in temporary mnemoics if you must for example so you can link name with a popular image.
6)If you can get friendly with one person at the start of the night, then you can link up with them for the reminder while introducing both yourselves to other groups already talking. This will increase your confidence. Try to remember a person's name when you talk to them.
7) Try and identify who it is that you want to talk to and focus on meeting them before the end of the event and the chance that they may leave. It is no good emailing them later as they won't have your card or remember your face.
There IS a big difference between meeting a potential connection or business contact online in social networks and in person through these networking events. It is good to have a healthy balance of two for maximum effect.
9) Try to stand out. Use what ever it takes be it a funky card, t-shirt branding, product placement or test product for others to try out. Unique in networking events is good.
10) Dont try to stand out too much. The manner in which it is done is key here. Think discreet professional, not mindless extrovert.
