Everyone knows how important networking is in building your business and developing good contacts. But whether it’s a local business meeting or a service industry event, if no one remembers you afterward, what was the point in attending? Such contacts only work if you make yourself memorable. And this doesn’t mean being loud and boisterous.

It never ceases to amaze me how many knowledgeable people attend networking events yet overlook their big chance to be memorable by developing a mini-presentation for audiences of one to five. All speaking is public speaking. Outside the privacy of your own home, you are speaking in public no matter the size of your audience.

Here are seven strategies that let you walk into a room, confident that people will enjoy meeting you and will recall you afterward:

1. Look your best. If you have a hectic day before going to a business meeting, seminar or other work-related event, keep a change of clothes in your office or car so you can arrive unwrinkled.

2. Wear your name tag. We’re all more likely to retain information that we see and hear at the same time; therefore, wear your name tag near your shoulder so people can read it as they hear you say your name.

3. Develop an unforgettable greeting. When you introduce yourself, don’t just say your name and job title. Instead, start by describing the benefits of what you do for clients. One of my responses is “I make conventions and sales meetings more exciting.” Almost invariably, the person I’m talking to asks me, “How do you do that?” Immediately, I get to market myself: “You know how companies have meetings that are supposed to be stimulating, but they’re often dull and boring? Well, I present practical ideas in an entertaining way so people stay awake, have a good time and get the company’s message. My name is Patricia Fripp, and I’m a professional speaker.” People remember the pictures you create in their minds more than the words you say.

4. Greet everyone. No name tags? That doesn’t mean you ignore people you recognize if you’ve forgotten their names. Smile and ask a provocative question like, “What is the most exciting thing that has happened to you since we last met?” And never be afraid to say, “The last time we met, we had a great conversation. Will you remind me what your name is?” Best-selling author Susan RoAne tells people, “Forgive me for forgetting your name. Since I passed 40, it’s hard to remember my own.”

5. Overcome shyness. Much of the value of networking events can be lost if you let yourself focus on being unassuming or fundamentally shy. For many people, mingling with a room full of strangers can be an unpleasant or even scary experience. Focus on the benefits of meeting new contacts and learning new information instead of any butterflies in your stomach. Until you’ve gained confidence, a good way to do this is to volunteer for a job that requires interacting with other attendees, such as serving as a greeter, who stands at the entrance and welcomes people to the event: “How do you do? I’m Chris Carter. Welcome to the state wastewater conference. Please find your name tag, and help yourself to refreshments; our program will start in 30 minutes.” Soon you will start feeling like the host of the party. You’ll meet new people this way and get cheery nods of recognition throughout the event, making it easy to stop and talk later.

6. Travel with your own PR agent. This is a powerful technique that maximizes your networking. Form a duo with a business associate. When you arrive, alternately separate and come together, talking up each other’s strengths and expertise. As your friend walks up, you say to the person you’ve been talking to, “Jack, I’d like you to meet Elaine, our customer service manager. She has been with us only eight months, but her ability to listen to clients’ needs has given us a competitive edge.” Then Elaine can say, “Well, Greg is being generous. It’s his knowledge of the septic service industry and his skill in running the company that really helped me get up to speed on the job.”
When you do this, you’re saying about each other exactly what you would love your prospects to know, but modesty prevents you from telling them. By saying something interesting, memorable or funny, you become an object of interest to your listeners. When they go to work the next day and talk about the networking event they attended, they’ll remember you and your company.

7. Always send a note or brochure the next day to the people you have met. Keep business cards you receive, and make notes of what you said for the next time you meet them at an event.

These are all easy and positive ways to be memorable. Get the most out of your networking time and energy by making yourself worth remembering!