By the time you have read this sentence, you have already made your first impression on me. This doesn’t mean that I will judge you based solely on that first impression; however, it does mean that your initial impression is strong enough to possibly make or break our future relationship.

This article is not about how to get people to like you, nor is it about how to become a better networker. It’s simply a blog around networking etiquette and skills. Here are some tips that I have learned through my experiences that have helped me make the most out of my networking experiences.

The best way to improve your in-person networking skills is to practice. I don’t mean fake it till you make it, I mean experience the real thing and learn from your mistakes. The more you do it, the better you’ll get.

I’ve been lucky enough to have ample opportunities to practice my networking skills with people in my industry and beyond. And I’ve learned a lot along the way.

Here are 5 of my favorite lessons:

1.Talk less, listen more.

2.Ask questions that require more than a yes or no answer.

3.Be confident but humble.

4.Don’t be afraid to let someone else talk about themselves for a while (even if there is a lull). It gives you time to think of more meaningful questions to ask later on. Plus, everyone loves talking about themselves!

5.Practice (online and off). Practice does not make perfect, but it does make better!

If you are looking for a job, career or business opportunity, one of the most important tools in your arsenal is networking. Whether it is attending conferences, joining professional organizations, going to networking mixers or simply connecting with people on LinkedIn and Twitter, networking can help you find new opportunities.

It seems like every day there is a new article about how to build your network on social media. However, as much as technology has taken center stage in our society, there is still value in face-to-face interactions.

If you want to succeed in business and life, it’s essential that you learn how to network effectively.

Here are five tips to improve your in-person networking skills:

Know where the events are. It’s hard to network if you don’t know where the events are happening! One way to find out about local networking events is by asking your friends and colleagues. They may know of some upcoming events that might interest you. Also check Eventbrite, Meetup and Facebook Events for listings of upcoming events in your area.

Have a plan on what you want to get out of each event. Before you head out to an event, take some time to think about what it is that you hope to get out of each event that you

Networking. It’s probably one of those words that make you want to cringe a little bit. The thought of walking around and introducing yourself to complete strangers feels exhausting and uncomfortable.

I hear you. I used to feel the same way too… but then something changed for me. I started looking at networking as an opportunity to meet people who are in my field and have similar interests, rather than an activity that only benefits others. It’s amazing what a shift in perspective can do.

It can be a very overwhelming experience at first, especially if you’re a shy person like me (yup, I’m shy). But once you get past that initial phase and start feeling more comfortable with it, networking becomes less anxiety-inducing and a whole lot more fun!

So here are 5 ways that helped me improve my networking skills:

As a founder, you need to know how to network. I’ve been doing it for years and I’m still not great at it. So I asked for advice from people much more experienced than me. Here are five tips that work for them.

1. Be present

Be present and in the moment when talking to someone. Don’t look around the room over their shoulder, don’t think about what you’re going to say next, just listen carefully to what they have to say and ask questions about it. This will make them feel important and engaged with you in the conversation. It may seem like a waste of time having small talk with strangers but in Silicon Valley, who knows where your biggest lead may come from?

2. Pick a spot and stick to it

Once you have picked out your spot at the event (i.e., by the bar or by the entrance), stick to it! If you’re in a group, don’t move together, break off into smaller groups of two or three if possible, so that people can approach you more easily. Sticking to one spot also makes it easier for people to find you if they want more conversation later on rather than running around the room trying to find you again among hundreds of faces. Don’t

1. Be a Good Listener

When you’re at a networking event, be sure to put your phone away and give the person you’re speaking with your undivided attention.

Although it may seem like you are listening to them, people often do not realize how much they fidget or look around when they are in a conversation. Focus on making eye contact, nodding, and giving verbal cues that you are engaged and listening.

2. Smile as Much as Possible

Your best asset is your smile! No matter how bad of a day you may have had prior to the networking event, keep smiling! A smile can help brighten someone’s day and make them feel good about themselves, which in turn will make them feel better about meeting you. Smiling gives off the impression that you are happy and open to whatever opportunities the night has to offer.

3. Learn How To Talk About Yourself

This may sound easy but it’s actually pretty difficult for many of us — especially when we’re nervous and trying to meet new people! You want to be able to give a great introduction of yourself without sounding like you’re bragging or being conceited. When talking about yourself, be sure to focus on only relevant information about yourself that relates directly to what the other

1. Be prepared

2. Be yourself

3. Be a listener

4. Be responsive

5. Be a connector