• Get comfortable: If this is your first time walking in the group of strangers, know that everybody else is feeling the same. Anxiety level is high for pretty much everyone who is attending the event for the first time, and they have the sole purpose the same as yours – social networking. So, hold yourself strong and be confident. Make yourself personable and easy to approach.
• Talk casually: Keep in mind that you have one or other thing in common with someone else at the event. So, start by asking them a question about their business. Make it an interesting conversation for them. They will feel more at ease talking about what they care about. Find a common ground at that time, and talk about your business as well.
• Come prepared: Make sure to carry your business cards with you. Prepare a brief outline of what you want to say or discuss. Keep a small notepad and pen so that you are ready whenever you run into someone important and you wish to write their contacts down.
• Follow up: If you run into someone interesting and you brought back their contact information, make it a point to contact them later on. Not doing so may end up effecting your business negatively giving an impression of you not standing upto your promises.
• Have Fun: If you are not enjoying what you are doing, you won’t get good results. This is true in business and in general. So, enjoy networking. Go out, have fun and show your best to your potential customers or partners.

If you follow some other networking techniques, feel free to share. Happy Networking!