Whether you’re going to your first networking event or your fifth, here are some pro tips from life and career coach Lea Berry that you can use to up your game. Remember these and soon, you can network like a pro.

If you’re searching for a job or building a business, you’ll find yourself at several networking events. Just about every group I participate in loves hosting events where guests have a chance to mingle and meet each other.

Whether you’re new in town or looking to improve your skills, networking can feel tedious at times, exhausting even. If you’re looking for a reason to get out there, perhaps it’s time to sharpen your skills to get the most out of that time.

With your calendar fast piling up, it’s a great time to remind yourself of the quick tips to help you network like a pro and get the right connections you need. Here are my top tips for upping your networking game ASAP.

Tip #1: Make sure you define what success looks like before you head into the event.

If you need to meet at least two new prospects or connect with someone who knows someone at a particular organization, know that ahead of time. By defining your goal, you’re much more likely to walk in with a plan and have a more focused (not narrow) conversation with the person you meet. This isn’t to say the whole conversation should be focused on your goal. But in case you find yourself forgetting what to bring up or what brought you to the event, make sure you come prepared.

Tip #2: If you’re walking into a room cold, meaning you don’t know a soul in the room, you’re doing it wrong.

Look up the attendees or ask the host for a list of attendees ahead of time. You’ll have a much easier time thinking of what to say and to who before you get there.

Tip #3: Walking into a room and moving from group to group can seem daunting but it doesn’t need to be.

When you walk in, take note of the room, where the bar or food stations are, other tables, and take note of how the crowd is dispersed. If you’re a fan of talking to groups, focus on where those groups are, or if you prefer one-on-one conversation position yourself accordingly. When the conversation ends, know where to head next, even if that means the bar or the bathroom.

Tip #4: The biggest failure point for people is following up.

Pro-tip to try at your next event: Tell the person you want to genuinely connect with how and when you plan to follow up by. By directing the follow-up and action you are essentially committing yourself to the follow-up and much more likely to remember it. Use that momentum and follow up with them exactly as planned to remain reliable and courteous of your time and energy.

So there you have it! Good luck at your next networking event!

The original version of this article was published on the Lea Berry Coaching website.

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