Recently, I read a blog post by uber-blogger, Chris
Brogan. He made some great points on
how to navigate that difficult minefield, “the first meeting at an event.” After reading it, though, I thought, I’d
give my coaching clients more.  Here’s
what more looks like. Think it’s
enough?

1) Before you go to an event set a goal to meet some new
people just to meet them – you never know where that will lead – and because
your only goal is connecting, it’s good practice for a more targeted
connecting.

2) Set a second goal to meet the top 2-3 people who might become business for
you, for someone you know or become a resource for someone you want to help;

3) Contact people you know who will be going to the event and ask them who they
think might be the best bets for your two sets of goals. Ask them to make an
initial introduction, or at least point them out when you get there. With many
events now you can check the on-line registration and do some research yourself
using individual’s website links.

4) When you arrive, stop at the rest room and look in the mirror. Look yourself
straight in the eye and tell yourself that the event is about making good
connections, not closing a sale. People want to do business with people they
like. Until they know you, they can’t like you. Remember the 3 V’s of marketing
– visibility (they gotta’ know you’re there), viability (there has to be WIIFM*
for everyone in each interaction/transaction, valu-ability (value comes from trusting
and being able to risk with someone else. Become valuable and there are no
limits). *What's In It For ME.

5) Break the room into quadrants. Identify one person,
or more, in each to at least meet and greet.

6) You won’t always get it right and you won’t always connect. Mistakes happen.
Beating yourself up about them is a waste of time and energy. Besides, you
can’t know the frame of mind of every person you meet. If you meet someone who
(unbeknownst to you) has just lost a job or a significant other, or a pet, or
had some other calamity impact their life – but they had to be at the event –
you may get a cool reception or a rebuff. It’s not about you. Get over it.

7) “Businesses,” as Chris said, “are made up of people.” Just like
relationships. We all want to be recognized and appreciated – before we do
business.

9) Always follow up and acknowledge the meeting with a personal note
(electronic or snail) that’s really personal. People can usually tell the
difference if it’s an autoresponder.

10) Social networking, in-person or online, is a lot like good PR. It starts
with initial visibility then sometimes a hiatus occurs before something else
happens. But each contact takes on a life of its own, so keep connecting and
building relationships. You never know when the phone will ring.