42 Degrees - Business from a different angle

1. Networking matters because we are genetically programmed to respond more favourably to familiar things.
2. To get the best out of an event you need the right attitude. Resolve to approach it with a positive attitude.
3. If the idea of a whole evening is too much, set a time limit and work hard for that time.
4. Get hold of a guest list and research the people you want to meet.
5. On entering the room, find your host or the person who invited you. They should introduce you to a couple of new people.
6. In the absence of an introduction, people standing alone are the easiest to approach. Smile, hold out your hand, give your name and a simple fact about yourself. Try to act more like a host and less like a guest.
7. Be interested in what the person says. Listen closely. If conversation falters, always ask about them. They'll love you for it.
8. Successful networking means meeting as many people as possible. So keep conversations to three or four minutes.
9. Only hand out cards to people you genuinely like.
10. Afterwards, review conversations, act on any promises you made, and enter names and a brief comment on your contacts list.

Working with chairmen and chief executives of large companies and charities Carole brings together politicians, journalists and business people – today's opinion formers – to discuss issues of mutual interest. Now, as managing director of a joint venture with online pollster YouGov, Carole is creating the YouGovStone think tank, an online forum for opinion formers, who are invited to consider the most important issues facing the country today. Should you be interested in joining Carole's YouGovStone panel, please email carole.stone@yougovstone.com