by Janet Attard
Going to a conference? Don't sit with your friends at sessions or meet your friends for lunch. Circulate and talk to others attending the conference. Try to get to meeting rooms a few minutes before each session starts. Introduce yourself to the people around you and ask what brings them to the conference. Exchange business cards when appropriate. If there's a group lunch or dinner, try to sit with people you haven't yet met. Use coffee breaks to network, not to check your voice mail.
Don't feel shy about networking like this at conferences. Most people attending conferences like to talk to other people. That's what they're there for, too. Remember, the reason for attending conferences is to gain knowledge and contacts that will help you get ahead in your business or career.
More >> Five Keys to Networking Success
