Dinner meetings are a networking forum

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Dear Joan:
I have often heard that it is good business to join professional organizations to "network" and meet people. I am in my first job after college as a computer analyst for a consulting company. My boss has suggested that I join a professional organization for additional professional development and to get new business. Can you suggest the proper way to network at one of these dinner meetings? I'm worried that I will feel out of place and I won't make best use of my time.

Answer:
Whether you are new to your field or at mid-career, becoming active in a professional organization is a good idea. It's a great way to meet potential employers; find out what other companies are up to; hear about new ideas or initiate new business for your firm.

The "main event" is seldom the speaker. It is what goes on before and after the speech that really counts, so even if the topic isn't all that interesting, consider attending the meetings on a regular basis. At the risk of sounding too forward and deliberate, here is a networking primer to get you started:

Fill your right pocket with business cards, a pen and a small calendar. If you are a woman, wear a dress or suit with pockets. Keep your right hand free, so that you can shake hands and exchange cards. Before passing your card to someone, jot a note on it that will refresh her recollection of who you are when he or she looks at it the next day. Do the same thing with cards you receive.

Also, wear a dress or suit that can carry a nametag. If you're afraid to pin or stick a nametag to your silk blouse, you will be forced to wear it on your purse or belt, where no one can see it and people won't remember your name. Wear your nametag on the right side so that people can glance at it easily when shaking hands. Don't allow it to be covered by your lapel, scarves or long hair. Make sure your name (or nickname) is written in big, dark letters and that your title and company name are listed correctly beneath it.

If you must drink, do it in moderation and carry it in your left hand, so your right hand isn't cold and wet. It's smarter to drink soda or water when you want to do some serious networking.

Don't spend the entire evening with co-workers or business associates you already know. To get warmed up, allow your colleagues to introduce you to people with whom you can start conversations. Open conversations with people by introducing yourself and asking them questions about their jobs and businesses. Spend at least half the time listening. When meeting someone, repeat his or her name at least three times during your conversation, so you remember it.

At subsequent meetings, you will be able to take off on your own and walk quickly around the room to say hello to people you've met before but then quickly branch off to meet new people. Always make it a point to introduce yourself to the speaker and to board members.

Learn the art of departing gracefully. To avoid spending too much time with one person, break away by going to refresh your beverage, go to the rest room, or by introducing people to one another and while they are talking, turn to meet someone else. Be quick to introduce a new acquaintance to other people who happen to be walking by, to keep everyone mixing. Not only will this keep you circulating, it will be welcomed by other people who are expanding their circle of contacts.

When the meeting is over, follow up with people to whom you promised to send information. If you wish to make further business contact, call within a week, while they still remember you.

After a few years of doing this, your network will be formidable. When you need to know a piece of information or want to find a new job, your task will be easier because your homework will already by done.