By Patricia Fripp

Networking is an important part of building your business and developing good social contacts. However, if you go to business events and no one remembers you afterward, what's the point in attending? Such contacts only work if you make yourself memorable.

Too often, talented and well-educated self-storage operators attend networking events and yet miss their big chance to make an impression. How? By developing a mini presentation for audiences of one to five. All speaking is public speaking. Outside the privacy of your own home, youre speaking in public no matter the size of your audience.

Here are some strategies that let you walk into a room with quiet self-assurance, confident that people will enjoy meeting you and recall you afterward.

1. Arrive looking your best. If you have a hectic day before going to a networking meeting, keep a change of clothes in your office or car so you can arrive unwrinkled and fresh.

2. Wear your name tag. Were all more likely to retain information we see and hear at the same time, so wear your name tag up on your right shoulder. That way, people can read it as they hear you say your name. Some women put their name tags down on their handbags or in the most inappropriate places. Put it where people are not afraid to look!

3. Develop a memorable signature. Men can wear ties on which people will comment. Women can wear a certain hat or jewelry. Just find something interesting to add to your wardrobe that stands out.

4. Develop an unforgettable greeting. When you introduce yourself, dont just say your name and job title. Instead, start by describing the benefits of what you do for clients. A self-storage operator might say, I help people make more space in their homes. Almost invariably, your new friend will ask, How do you do that? This opens the door for you to tell him about your facility. People remember the vivid pictures you create in their minds more than the words you say.

5. Greet everyone. Dont ignore people you recognize if youve forgotten a name. Smile and ask a question like, What is the most exciting thing thats happened to you since we last met? or What is your greatest recent success? Never be afraid to say, The last time we met, we had such 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, its hard to remember my own.

6. Overcome your shyness. Much of the value of networking events can be lost if you allow yourself to focus on being unassuming or fundamentally shy. For many, mingling with a room full of strangers can be an unpleasant or even scary experience. Focus on the benefits of meeting exciting new contacts and learning information instead of any butterflies in your stomach.

Until youve gained confidence, a good way to do this is to volunteer for a job that requires interacting with other attendees, such as being a greeter. This person stands at the entrance with a label on his name tag identifying his role. He has a specific job and dialog to convey: How do you do? Im Chris Carter. Welcome to the chamber mixer. Is this your first event? Please find your name tag. The food is in the next room, and our program will start in 30 minutes.

Soon youll start feeling like the host of the party. Youve met many new people and will get cheery nods of recognition throughout the event, making it easy to stop and talk later. When you focus on helping others feel comfortable, youre not thinking about being shy!

7. Travel with your own PR agent. This is a powerful technique that maximizes your networking: Form a duo with a professional friend. When you arrive, alternately separate and come together, talking up each others strengths and expertise.

8. Always send a note, e-mail or brochure the next day to the people youve met. Keep business cards, and make notes of what you said so when you meet up at another event, youll immediately have talking points.

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

Patricia Fripp is a speaker, executive speech coach and sales-presentation skills expert who works with organizations and individuals to help them gain a competitive edge through powerful, persuasive, presentation skills. Shes also a past president of the National Speakers Association. For more information, call 415.753.6556; e-mail [email protected]; visit www.fripp.com .