Sometimes I find everyone there is wanting to put their item on there, but not willing to connect or take in anyone elses. So you end up talking with people who are just trying to sell you on something instead of people wanting to make a genuine connection for referrals and help.

I'm very comfortable after 30 years of networking. What I hated most when I first started was approaching a group of people (the clicks) and then figuring out how to join in the conversation. Now I just do it. I stand as close as I can, without intruding someone's space. When I have their attention or at least one of them, I introduce myself. I then start my FORM conversation. F= Where are you from (I'm in Vegas, so almost everyone is from somewhere else.) 

In a networking situation, I'll usually start with the O = occupation.  What do you do? Who is your target market?   Then I go into the

F= where are you from? Also I'll ask what brought them to Vegas

R = Recreation or I ask about their family.

M = I get some kind of message to be able to form a relationship.

This really helped me to start and continue a conversation. 

I love meeting new people and networking. The only thing that I don't enjoy is when someone tries to get me to join a networking group that includes a paid membership fee. I'd rather talk to others for free; paying to network seems a bit forced. 

Too often, I have found that the people Who attend networking groups are in a scarcity mindset and there to get leads/sales/business for themselves, as opposed to going to serve others. I found that when I shifted into the serving mindset while at a networking event, it was a much more pleasant experience. I generally got to help some people and the “takers” who were only there looking out for themselves were easy to spot and avoid.

Many that I've attended have people focused on selling me their service/product without knowing anything about me or my business. Also, art of asking questions to learn basics before going into sales pitch. I view networking as a way to help others and meet to build commonalities and not hit and run sales pitches. Poor communication skills slso tiresome.

I feel like I don't always like the personability of networking. A lot of the times it is pretty repetitive and can lack personality and valuable time of getting to know the other person. When networking is done in smaller groups or on an individual basis, I feel like that valuable relationship building is actually there

I absolutely love networking.  I attend many different networking events.  When you meet people who work in the same industry, or other industries, you get the opportunity to learn about their business, who is their target market and how both of you can help each other. Choose some targeted events to attend that are in the same industry or that you know your target industries will be attending.  This will help you to enjoy your next networking event.

Hi all, I wanted to chime in one more time.  I have read a few posts where they say "try to find the right group" or "groups that are your target market", while this is great and beneficial if you can find the "perfect" group it's not always possible since most groups are made up of all kinds of different businesses with different target markets for that "perfect referral", but I would caution to not write off "other" groups because you "think" it's not your target market.  The reason is this, you don't know who the people you meet "know". One of my mentors says this at the beginning of every mastermind meeting we ever had. "How many people are in this room? 10, 20, 30?  No. Every person has a rol-o-dex in their head of people they know (for you that are too young to know what that is, it's like an address book, lol) so for every person you see there is another 500 or 1,000 behind the scenes that each person at this meeting knows that might be a perfect referral or you. You are not here to necessarily do business with these 10, 20 or 30 people, you are here to let them know what you need next in your business, be specific, (i.e. BAD EXAMPLE - "I am looking for more clients" this is way too broad, nobody knows what your perfect client looks like, help them out. GOOD EXAMPLE, "I am looking for a red headed flute player" while people may not have the exact thing you are looking for, it gives them a really good example of what to think about.  This may spark some ideas, as in "I know a flute player, but they don't have red hair, can they be blonde or brunette?"   I know that sounds stupid, but it exaggerates the "be specific" which is key to getting the right referral for your specific business. Being specific also helps when people are out and about in their daily meetings or other networking groups.  When you are specific, it helps keep what you are looking for in the forefront of others minds and makes it easier for them to find a good referral for you. Some other ideas, let's say you are in the skincare business.  Instead of saying, and I have heard this a million times, "I looking for people with skin", way too broad. We all have skin, that's not specific.  How about, "I am looking for people in between 30 - 50 years old who want to get rid of their wrinkles or prevent them", or if you are looking to recruit, "I am looking for stay at home moms who need extra money and have time during the day when their kids are at school" or "I am looking for school teachers who need extra money during the summer" being specific is the key. When you get up to give your elevator speech, being specific and then telling a story about someone you helped is a REALLY good idea to help others have that lightbulb go off in their head of the perfect person to refer you to.   Also, one more thing, for the people that say, "they don't get sales out of networking", the only thing I can say to that is you're not doing it right or you're not giving it a chance, sales don't happen immediately, it takes time. I could go on and on, but I will jump off now!

When I attend a networking event.  I go in with a mission, "To Do Business".  I know what I want and what I expect to come away with. Not only do I go in with the mindset to "Doing Business, but also Connect others to Do Business!"  This creates a win-win for everyone.  Networking is a "Skill" . I suggest go into every Networking event with a 

1. Mission 2. Can-Do-Attitude 3. Create a Win-Win Situation.

Ask yourself, 

1.  Why am I attending this networking event?  2.  Why should these business owners do business with me?  3. What can I gain by attending the networking event?  4.  What am I willing to give back?

5.  Did I get a new client by attending the event?

6.  Did I receive any referrals by attending the event?

7.  Did I provide anyone a business connect or referral when attending this event.

8 .  First impressions are lasting impressions.  Therefore, what type of impression did you leave at this event?

9.  Not every event is necessarily going to be the right event to attend to benefit you and your business. Therefore know who your audience is prior to attending.  

10.  Networking is defined as, "The action or process of interactant with others to exchange information  and develop professional or social contacts."

Don't stop attending events.  Use events as a learning tool and self development tool.  Events are meant to connect people.  Remember you are in charge of how you want to connect with others and how you want others to remember you and your business.    Events are a wonderful way to connect, make lasting impressions, and to even help others connect.  Therefore use events as a tool.

Try to determine why you were so uncomfortable and work to overcome those feelings. 

Pro tip: Networking is about the other people in the room. Show an genuine interest in them, build them up, and make a connection for life.