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.

The world is not all sunshine and roses. It can be a mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees if you let it. Unfortunately, you me or nobody can hit as hard as life but that's not whats important if you want to be a winner in life.

Its all about how much you can get hit but keep moving forward, how much you can take, but yet keep moving forward. So if you want to be a huge winner in life double your rate of failure. So if you think you can be ultimately worth x amount, then go out and get it but you must be prepared to take the hits whilst still bouncing back each time.

The difference between achievers and the rest is that achievers and winners and comfortable with failure. They consistently put themselves on the line and always bounce back from their temporary failure. Remember, failure is only an event which means ultimate success is a life long journey.

So remember never blame anybody for your lack of success in life. Cowards do that. They hold themselves powerless because always they blame someone else or some incident for their results in their lives.

Take 100% responsibility. It will be primarily you that will shape your life. If something is holding you back, either forgive that person or get counselling to get the situation resolved. You can't move forward if you are blaming somebody else for your life. Remember, when you forgive them, you no longer can blame them so from then on you can move on with responsibility.

Remember, it will be primarily you that will shape your life. Own that, own your life. Do what you want to do. Find a mentor that will support your purpose and your spirit will be free

Have you ever attended a networking event and walked out thinking, 'Well I told 25 people about my business and no one seemed that interested because they were too busy telling me about their own business?

Or, I could call that person I met at the event last night but I'm not clear how they can help me, I'm not sure it would be a good use of my time to travel to meet them'

What if you were able to tell that person exactly what you want them to do within the first 2 minutes of meeting them at the network event? Imagine them telling you exactly how they can help you so that the next day you can qualify who you most definitely need to catch up with.

Why is it that in today's society it's so hard for people to openly express what they need from another person?

We are conditioned to keep our life and business challenges to ourselves, be independent and manage our lives all on our own, yet statistics show that we all experience similar challenges at different stages of our lives. We know this, so why are we still so scared to tell someone what we want or need from them?

In business, networking is integral to maintaining and building a successful business. Connecting with others and communicating effectively how your business will enhance their life, meet their needs, or solve a problem, is the key to attracting new customers and keeping old ones actively referring for you.

As well as letting the customer know what you can do for them, you can also let them know what they can do for you. Creating strong and trustworthy business relationships is about give and take, and your customers want to know that you are human. Give them a reason to want to help you and be a part of your success.

How does this relate to networking?

At a networking event we suggest you listen carefully to what the other person says about their business, listening out for 'needs'. Keep in the back of you mind 'This person has come to this event because they need something in their business, whether it be new customers, joint ventures, or simply inspiration and motivation to keep going. How can I help them?'.

When you think of a way that you or your service can assist them, speak up straight away and tell them. If you think of someone you know who could be the person they are looking for, tell the straight away. Of if you know you have some contacts in your database that are perfect for them, tell them you would love to catch up tomorrow to pass them on. They will appreciate your genuineness and ability to notice their need. They will become a fan of your and your business simply because you have helped them so much. A lasting and beneficial relationship has begun!

Begin your networking today by contacting someone who has a complimentary business to yours. Simply say 'I believe we may be able to create a joint venture or cross promotion opportunity. Let's catch up this week and see what we can come up with!'