I’m guilty of this one myself.  Often times when we show up at an event, we have a tendancy to walk straight up to the first person we recognize in the room.  Before we know it we’re surrounded by 5 of our closest colleagues and may spend the entire event talking to the folks we already know.  While there is a ton of value in maintaining your current relationships and getting some face time with past clients, your ultimate goal at a networking event should be to make NEW contacts.  

The good news is, having a few folks you already know in the room can actually benefit you in a number of ways.  First off, it helps to make you more comfortable and ease any nerves about being in a room full of strangers.  Second, you now have a few networking partners you can team up with to really take over the room and maximize your number of new connections.  

Here’s what I do… After catching up with a few existing connections, make an agreement that your going to split up and work the room together. As your meeting new people, make it a point to introduce them to some of your colleagues you already know.  ”Hey Jan (new connection) have you met Pablo (existing connection)? He’s one of the best musicians in town!”  Pablo now has a warm introduction to Jan and doesnt have to sell himself (remember, you’ve just given him a rave review).  Rather than spending all your time selling yourself, sell your colleagues and make as many introductions as possible.  They’ll be sure to return the favor.

When you’re lucky enough to show up at an event where you already know a few people, capitalize on the situation by networking together and recommending one another; rather than spending the entire event standing in a circle talking to the folks you already know. 

You’ll leave the event feeling good about helping your fellow eventprof’s plus you’ll have a pocket full of business cards.  The only question is… What to do with all those cards…. We’ll cover that next month!  

So now Im curious… Have you ever fallen into the same trap? Have you tried this team approach to networking before? Any twists on the idea?