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1. Arrive early

鈥淓ase yourself into the event鈥�, advises Joe Giordano. If you鈥檙e one of the first to turn up you can talk to other early arrivers. You鈥檒l establish a few contacts in the room and get warmed up.

2. Approach odd numbered groups

They are easier to break into because there are more likely to be stragglers who are less involved in the conversation and easier to engage with. 鈥淭hrust out your hand and say 鈥楬i, I鈥檓 Joe Giordano鈥�,鈥� advises our expert (or use your own name). Then get involved in the discussion 鈥� remember, most people in the room are there to meet other people, too.

3. Never talk work

Giordano reckons immediately harping on about work is a conversational turn-off. Instead, talk about 鈥渃urrent affairs, interest rates, rugby, cricket, knitting patterns, etc鈥�.

He adds, 鈥渓et your guest talk. Listen, be attentive. Gather information about them and find out what really interests them.鈥� And remember to ask questions.

4. Broker

Introduce your new contact to other guests you may know. 鈥淭hey will always remember your introduction to a third party,鈥� says Giordano. Conversely, use them to introduce yourself to other people they know.

5. Badge up

Giordano advises wearing your name badge on the right lapel so when you shake hands it remains unobscured. And, of course, always wear one when they are being offered.

6. Play your cards right

Your own business cards should be in one pocket and those you receive in another. 鈥淵ou are there to make an impression. Fumbling for cards does not create the right impression.鈥�

7. Don鈥檛 get drunk

Drink in moderation, he says. This means declining top-ups and possibly alternating between alcoholic and soft drinks. To get this right, you need to know your limits. Also note that if your host is getting drunk it doesn鈥檛 mean you should. 鈥淚f all else fails and you start slurring your words 鈥� leave!鈥�

8. Set targets

鈥淪et yourself a target number of people to meet, say 10 cards in two hours,鈥� says Giordano. 鈥淎fter five minutes move on. You are there to network. Say 鈥榮o nice to meet you, I will be in touch, must circulate鈥�. If you stay longer you could start to gibber and outstay your welcome.鈥�

9. Be different

鈥淲hen asked what you do, say 鈥業 save people money鈥� alternatively my friend is a business development manager for a fit-out contractor and she describes herself as 鈥榓 hairy-arsed builder鈥�.鈥�

10. Follow up

When you鈥檙e back in the office, put all business card details on a database. Send the people you鈥檝e met an email in the next day or so and arrange to meet for a drink or lunch, or invite them to a function. Use these tips and watch the new contracts roll in.