Relationships can be our most important assets. Through our experiences, many of us have found that many of our successes have come from who we know and how they can help us. These relationships are typically mutually beneficial - every contact has the potential to be to the gateway to a new opportunity and should be maintained with respect and patience.

Whether you are attending a networking event, or unexpectedly meeting a new person, be aware of your presence, behavior and appearance. Know what your networking goals are and keep them in mind when introducing yourself to new contacts. Who do you want to meet? What can you offer and what would you like in return? What do you want them to remember about you? What information do you want to gather and what do you want to leave behind?

Knowing that a first impression is lasting, having networking goals determined ahead of time will ensure your first impression is a positive one. When you are networking, you are putting a “face” on your business and the industry. Although the person you are meeting may not be someone you can see yourself working with, their may be a mutual referral there so always put your best foot forward.

Keep in mind that it is not necessarily about the number of people you meet, but the quality of those people and the relationships they can offer you. Make the most of the limited time you have and be sure to communicate all pertinent and relevant information you had planned share. At the same time, be mindful of the other person’s time – everyone’s time is valuable, so be wary of long conversations.

Approach networking opportunities with a professional attitude and exude confidence. Take initiative and introduce yourself to new people, keep eye contact throughout conversation, be attentive and be friendly. Educate your contact on what benefits you and your business could potentially have for them – know your message and be prepared to answer questions.

Be prepared! If it helps, rehearse your key message or introduction before going to a networking event. Be comfortable with yourself and what you have to say; uneasiness can be felt by others. Keep business cards handy, as well as a day planner should you schedule a face-to-face meeting or a phone call.

Remember – networking is a skill that can be developed! You may not feel confident in your networking technique right now, but this is something that can be built upon and mastered over time. This is a skill worth developing as it will have a major impact on your business or career success, so come up with a plan, set goal and make some new connections.