"Don’t act desperate.
People prefer to associate with successful people. If they think you are desperate, they will avoid you like the plague.
Don’t sell.
Never enter into any networking situation with the intention of selling. Networking is not sales; it’s relationship building.
Don’t monopolize.
Respect the value and short supply of other people’s time. Appreciate that your contacts are also attending to meet people and build relationships.
Prospecting
You must walk through many doors before finding one person with enough curiosity, let alone enough interest, to talk with you. You can view prospecting from one of two perspectives: An activity filled with frustration and disappointment, or a journey where each unproductive step gets you closer to your ultimate goal and success. The choice is yours. Love it or hate it… just do it."
"Believe that Networking WILL work.
Unless you are truly convinced that your networking efforts will help you succeed, you will waste everyone’s time. Networking requires a positive attitude.
Target the right audience.
Approach individuals who can provide what you seek or who can direct you to those who can. Get involved with members of your own group.
Make a strong first impression.
Always put your best foot forward. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Network with those you emulate.
Shoot for the top. Meeting those who have achieved your goals gives you a blueprint to learn from and follow.
Talk to everyone you meet.
Don’t discount or overlook anyone. Be genuinely friendly. People remember your kindness to them and will go out of their way to reciprocate.
Learn to read people.
Pay close attention and become skilled at sensing people’s needs. Learn to recognize who will give and who will only take. Trust your instincts.
Listen.
Pay careful attention to what others say. Listen and observe more than talk. Listening can be an acquired skill, so work on becoming a good listener.
Be willing to help.
Give, give, give. Networking is a two-way street. Offer your help freely and generously.
Be prepared.
Become an expert, and be able to provide insightful answers to questions about your field. (But don’t try to make other members experts of your business. Just pique their interest.)
Find common denominators.
Common denominators are the thread that connects network partners. Without common interests, objectives, and values, bonds can not be created.
Bring value.
Always have ideas, suggestions, and insights to share. Help the Other person out first; don’t wait for them to give you a lead or connection. “Leaders first.” “Givers gain.”
Be honest, courteous, and fair.
Deliver what you promise and when you can, deliver more. Do not exaggerate or claim to be what you are not.
Follow up.
After you first meet someone, keep in touch in a creative way. Send special notes or postcards. Also ALWAYS follow up with any leads you receive.
Keep referrers informed.
As you build relationships, keep your network referrers in the loop. Let them know when you set up a meeting and fill them in on your progress.
Look at the big picture.
Try to see past the momentary, day-to-day activities that occupy your life and build toward your overall lifetime objectives. Sometimes taking nothing today will position you to gain far more tomorrow.
From: Networking Magic - Essentials for networking