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As New York City's leader in professional networking events, we think you'll benefit from our experience.  We know effective networking will inspire you, add value to your career or business and give you an edge.  Read our top 10 tips and make the most of our upcoming industry specific networking events.

1. Arrive early / Stay late.  Want to make the most of an evening? Stay late.  Why? Not everyone leaves the office at 5pm.  Arriving early (if you can) and staying late gives you the opportunity to meet professionals with varying schedules.
2. Stand.  Why? Sitting signals that you are having a private conversation, or otherwise busy with your blackberry.  Sitting should be reserved for serious conversations and follow up meetings. 
3. Say hello. Wear a nametag.  Why? Everyone attends a networking event to meet new people, so don't be shy!  Say hello, mingle and introduce yourself!
4. Remember, business relationships are a two-way street
5. Ask open ended questions and listen.  This highlights ways you can add value and meet needs other professionals might have.
6.  Know your current perspective: Do you see the trees? or do you see the forest? Connecting with like minded professionals can give you inspiration, insight and the inside scoop on emerging trends (and needs) within your industry.
7. Focus on having conversations and establishing a connection. Enjoying the cocktail you're already having with someone will enable you to make the most followup meetings.
8. Lateral networking can generate long term business referral relationships, which translates into sustainable business growth and sales.
9. If you are the business owner / sales professional / entrepreneur, you're likely focused on driving sales. Consider an focusing equal energy on lateral networking and developing referral exchange relationships.
10. Love meeting new people?  Consider the joining the Contacts and Cocktails Host Committee.  Ask our event host for details.