how to network (without feeling sleazy) in 10 simple steps

01You know those pre-date

jitters, right? The ones that make you want to dance

around the room and throw up all at the same time? As

nerve-wracking as that feeling can be, it’s a good

one.

02Knowing your intentions will

dictate the kinds of conversations you’ll have, and those conversations

will, hopefully, put you closer in proximity to your

goals.

03

One way to beat those nerves down to a

manageable level is to research your networking event prior to attending.

04

“In both dating and networking, focusing solely on the score is usually met

with some form of disappointment.”

05

Regardless of their gender, personality, or profession, there is something you can learn from anyone you’re

interacting with

06

This one seems like a no-brainer, but in our current days of abundant personal

devices, distraction is incredibly common.

07

It’s simple: a meaningful connection, whether made

across a conference table or over a basket of breadsticks,

cannot be one-sided.

08Highlighting a fellow

entrepreneur’s skills and relaying a few facts about

them to another is a memorable display of

respect, and will show that you are interested in the

community, rather than only furthering yourself.

09

The fact is that one call or email to let a person know

you enjoyed meeting them is not going to be a deal-

breaker.

10

It also helps to simply be yourself. Being anything but

authentic will only come around to hurt you in the

long run.