#2) Brand Promotion/Impact – Who are you? What do you do? Tell people and be proud of your accomplishments. Most likely, you’re in the business of helping people with a unique service or product. Emphasize all the ways you help people and make their lives and/or businesses better, more profitable, happier, healthier, etc. Bring items that promote your brand, including product, books, press releases, and more to share your brand with ease.

#3) Connections – This is probably the number one benefit for networking. Who doesn’t leave an event without new contacts and connections to fuel their businesses and/or social life? When you make them, nurse them, and treat them like gold. Who knows WHEN these connections will generate their intended benefits. It could be within days, weeks or maybe months or years so be prepared.

#4) Credibility – What do you know? How can you help people? Asking people how you can be of service is your fastest way to build credibility in the eyes of those you meet. The more you ask, the more you help, and the more credible you become. “Have you met _____? I did, and wow, does he/she know about _____. C’mon, let’s go talk to him/her about your situation. I bet he/she can help.”

#5) Following/Fans/Tribes – What better way to grow your network, attract/develop new fans, build a new tribe or feed your current one other than networking (online/offline). Who knows, you might become a fan of someone at the event after hearing what they do or where their passion lies. Take pictures with as many people you possible and post them online. Show people who couldn’t make the event who you networked with and help your fans and followers follow those you just met. Reciprocation and helping each other is the secret to everyone making it and succeeding in what we all do.

#6) Friendships – Who doesn’t need friends? Did you just move into a new area? Get out and network. EVERYONE there, for the most part, doesn’t know anyone either. What a great first place to start building new friendships, connections, get to know your community, etc. “I just moved to town. I don’t know where anything is. What’s your recommendation for _____?” You’d be surprised how many business owners reach out to invite you to events they’re attending in the near future. “I’m having an event next week. Why don’t you come?” See how that works? Ask and you shall receive ... new acquaintances and friendships!

#7) Fun – Who doesn’t like fun? What’s not fun is working at home (or at the office) for hours, days, weeks on end without actually coming into contact with other people. Sure networking might focus on business, making connections, helping others and gathering leads, but it’s also a lot of fun to dress up and head out to an event. Networking makes business more fun! Bored out of your mind with all the work you have to do? Stir things up, get creative, and reignite the passion you have for your own business by heading out and learning about OTHERS. It can be a lot of fun! “I didn’t know you also like to _____ (i.e., hobby/interest). We should definitely get together and _____.” This doesn’t even include what can happen before, during or after a networking event. Some of you might decide to stay at the hotel where the event was held and head to the bar/lounge/restaurant for some drinks, dinner and more conversation.

#8) Get Out & Socialization – We just mentioned FUN and why networking is actually a FUN event to participate in. It’s not all business and work. Getting out of the house/office is always guaranteed to put a smile on your face and can help you build new social networks and friends to do things with. That’s a bonus.

#9) Impact – We all want to have an impact on people (in a good way) and be remembered or at least highly thought of. What better way to impress others than by offering to help them with their needs. “How can I help you? Really? Great! I’d be glad to _____." You can just imagine the other person saying to themselves, “Wow, I’m so grateful I met (YOU) at that event. What he/she said and the help I got is really going to have an impact on my overall success.”

#10) Increased Confidence – There’s no better way to increase your self-confidence than by helping others with what you know or who you know. Seriously. Confidence comes from three main sources: education, training and faith. When you share those things with others, they add fuel to your own confidence allowing you to comfortably approach other people. Share what you know, what you do, how you’ve helped others, and have faith in people and recognize their achievements. You’re boosting their self-esteem in return. “I believe in what you’re doing and think you should press on! You’ve got my support! Keep me posted on your progress.”

#11) Introductions – How are you going to get introduced to new people if you’re at home or at the office? You’re not! You gotta get out there, show up, attend and BAM! Watch the introductions happen left and right. You should make the effort to introduce at least three people to people they never met at the event that you did. Also, ask three people to introduce you to people they met that you didn’t meet. Just say, “Did you meet anyone interesting tonight? Should I meet them?” Watch people share who they met and take you over to them. How cool! Great way to meet new people, with an introduction!

#12) Leads – Who couldn’t use more leads? It isn’t about finding that one lead for your business, it’s more about getting leads and contacts from that ONE PERSON who might turn over their entire database to you, for example. I’ve seen it happen. “Bart, great meeting you. I’d love to join your affiliate program and share your books and training programs with my list of 25,000.” WOW! Remember though, many people are looking for leads. So, help as many people as you can to find leads for their business first. In the process, people will learn what you do and naturally align themselves with what you need and help you. Help others to help yourself. Funny how that works!

#13) Opens New Doors – Don’t you just love it when one door closes and another door opens? That’s what it’s like when you’re sitting in your office wondering why one client closed the door on you and said, “No,” to your offer. Then, you went networking and what happened? You met ONE PERSON who said, figuratively, “My door’s open for (your) business. Please come in. I could use your help!”

#14) Positive Influence – Some people you meet might not be as positive, optimistic or high on life and business as you. So? Impact them with your positive attitude, lift their spirits and watch them sing your praises among others they know and meet tonight. Watch them seek you out in the room wanting to introduce you to their best friend who just might be the owner of a company you would love to get to know, but never would have unless you had spread your positive influence with all those you met that night. Keep it up!

#15) Raising Your Profile – There’s nothing better than to be talked about (in a good way) and RECOGNIZED at events you attend. Take pictures and post them on different social media websites/accounts. Show people where you go and network.