Stampede Networking

Its that time again in Calgary, time for the Calgary Stampede. It is also time for some of the worst networking practices I have ever seen. Sure, the amount of alcohol plays into that ineffectiveness so then we need to plan for it!
These networking ideas can apply to really any cocktail party, social event or networking breakfast:

1) Drink less than the people around you - seems like an obvious place to start but sometimes we forget.
2) Carry a pen and a piece of paper. This is key. Too often people don't have a card to write their information on, so you should carry a pen and paper to get their number or email. You can use the back of your own card if it has white space.
3) Focus on collecting cards instead of handing them out. Too often people return from a networking or Stampede event and say I handed out over 500 cards this week! Now who has the power in that situation? Unfortunately the people with your cards. Don't leave it to them to follow-up (or more likely not). Forget giving out information, get it! Get their information so you can follow-up with them forever.
4) Write information down on the back of every card you get. This is also critical. I will not remember you from the event. BUT, when you call and say, I met you under the big tent on Thursday, we were talking about how we played in the same hockey league and then you said to call you this week about the widgets we sell ... it will produce very effective results. Write down what you know you won't remember later.
5) Be memorable! This applies to your introduction, your explanation of what you do and your general level of energy. If I am going to meet 20 people this afternoon Stampeding, how will I remember you? If your typical introduction goes like this, Hi, my name is _________ and I work for _________, we do __________ ... then you need some help. Make what you do sound exciting. My friend Van says that insurance is the greatest product ever developed by man! It's insurance! What is he talking about?! Well, people remember his line, his passion and he gets conversations started.
6) Take an interest in everyone else first. People love to talk about them, not you. So become a master at asking questions to keep others talking. People will remember the great conversation they had with you - because they were doing all the talking. When you make others the focus, you see ways to work with them and sales will result faster than if you talk about you. Seems counter-intuitive but it's not. Talk about them.
7) Figure out how you can help. Look for ways to help the people you meet. Introduce them to others, figure out who they should meet, give them a prospect, buy them a drink. When they see you as an ally and someone who is prepare to help them, your stock rises and your relationship builds (so does your memorability).

Start with that. Above all that - have fun. People are drawn to those at any function that appear to be energetic, approachable and fun!