Attending networking events requires a lot of time and effort. In order to get the most from an event, experience networkers must be focused and passionate about their social and professional goals towards each function. But many times, no matter how prepared a professional appears, the networking outcomes are not always favorable. Business professionals can collect a mountain of business cards, send out follow up phone calls and emails and not get back a response. This can be discouraging but there is good news! Professionals can design their 30-second intro speeches, tweek their conversations and improve their communication skills for on going networking success.

Listed below are key ways that professionals can enhance their communication skills at networking events to help create new and lasting business and social relationships.

The "I" Factor

At networking events, many networkers can be aggressive in approaching people, making conversation and selling products and services. A study should be done of how many times people say the word "I" in a conversation/dialogue or speech. It might produce some amazing or shocking results. Starting every other sentence with "I" could be an automatic turn off. People may not be interested in your products or services when first meeting you. It may be best to save business for a later time or future conversation. Instead, networkers should try to facilitate conversation which explores the personalities and skill sets of their business counterparts. It is important to learn about the other person, their job/profession, their likes/dislikes as well as their goals and initiatives. This type of information is a great platform for building premature relationships and conducting business in the future.

Speed Networking

Similarly, at networking events, professionals try to meet as many people as they can is a short period of time. This can be an overkill and may not provide a good first impression. It will appear that the professional is not really genuine or interested in meeting people and only at the event to make a sale, get a referral or find a job. In order to present a good and comfortable image to their business counterparts, professionals should speak slowly, clearly and be relaxed at events. Time should not be a factor at networking events, but professionals should use their time wisely and get to know people personally and professionally. If a professional does not get the opportunity to meet as many people as they would like, they can always attend a similar event in the future with the same association or group of people.

Networking Cheerleader

A compliment can go a long way and get you noticed in a positive light. Professionals should try to encourage and support one another and show a genuine interest in their business counterparts. Offer a nice compliment and not an inflated flattery when trying to connect with other business people. Flattery is simply a shallow and meaningless compliment that can be very obvious and distasteful. People often use flattery as a hidden agenda to get something in exchange. On the other hand, a compliment is well thought out and usually does not expect anything in return. It is a means of showing sincere kindness and admiration.