Today’s blog post comes to us courtesy of John Frank Palermo, Senior Human Resources Consulting, Exectutive Search and Transitional Services. http://www.palermohrconsulting.com

When networking, at a group function, what is the best way to maximize your efforts?

Yes, we all know the basic fundamental process of “GPEELF” which stands for:

‘greeting someone, presenting your elevator pitch, exchanging information, exchanging pleasantries, leaving and follow up’.

However, if you want to be an “effective networker and master of a room”, try this approach.

Instead of spending time with just one person conducting “GPEELF” try greeting an individual in the group and exchange business cards. Then instead of your elevator pitch or superfluous chit-chat; suggest to them that you are sure they want to “mingle” and meet others; so if it is ok with them, could you take their card today and follow up with them at a later date? Inevitably, they will say yes, and you are released! Now go to the next person and do the same thing. You will find at the end of the “meet and greet” time, you will have a large number of business contacts.

Then in a day or so, contact them and reference the event; since they really don’t know you yet. This process will make it much easier for you to connect, set an appointment and really begin networking. Try it; it works.