. Stop selling and start listening! When you meet someone for the first time, use it as an opportunity to get to know them. DonaEUR(TM)t try to sell them anything. Rather, begin to establish a relationship.

. Keep your business cards in the breast pocket of your coat, a shirt pocket, or in an outside pocket of your purse so they are easy to access and in good condition.

. When giving a person your card, personalize it by hand writing your cell number on it. This will cause the recipient to feel that they are receiving something special.

. When giving or receiving a business card, be especially careful when dealing with people from outside the US as many cultures treat them with very high regard.

. When receiving a card from someone, take a moment to write yourself a note on it such as where you met. If you do this while youaEUR(TM)re still talking to the person, it will help convey your sense of personal connection.

. During the course of a conversation, use the other personaEUR(TM)s first name two or three times. People always like to hear their own name and it will help you to remember it when the discussion is over.

. Rather than telling a new contact all about yourself, spend your time asking them questions. ItaEUR(TM)s amazing how much youaEUR(TM)ll learn!

. After you meet someone for the first time, use the back of their business card to jot a note about something you learned from the conversation and the date and place you met them. Recording the information will give you something to talk to them about the next time you see them.

. Connect with the person youaEUR(TM)re talking to by tilting your head as you listen to them. It is an effective body language technique which communicates that youaEUR(TM)re paying attention to what theyaEUR(TM)re saying.

. When a person is talking to you, be sure to look directly at them. Giving a person full attention with your eyes will encourage them to share more.

. Remember, however, that itaEUR(TM)s not a aEURoestare-downaEUR? contest. Give the person 3 aEUR" 5 seconds of eye contact and then look away briefly before returning your focus to them again.

. The best location to network is by a high-traffic area such as a main door, the bar, or near the food.

. Never approach people if theyaEUR(TM)re walking towards the restroom. Wait until they have returned to the networking area.

. Always keep one hand free to allow yourself to shake hands with people. This means that you shouldnaEUR(TM)t eat and drink at the same time. But remember, this is a networking event, not a full-course meal.

. As a way of demonstrating your networking skills, introduce each new person you meet to at least one other person.

. Never try to barge into a group of 4 or more people. Come along side of the group, but do not attempt to enter into the discussion until youaEUR(TM)ve made eye contact with everyone.

. Do not approach two people who are talking, as you may be interrupting an important discussion.

. It is best to initiate conversation with someone who is standing by themselves. TheyaEUR(TM)ll be happy to have someone to talk to them and, as a result, will many times open up with valuable information.

. When you meet someone for the first time, you have 72 hours to follow up with them before they will completely forget about meeting you.