For many of us, networking and getting new clients is a big part of our job.

Most people don’t like networking events, and when we get to one, the abundance of people, and apparent relationships that already exist in the room can be intimidating.

As Marketing Manager of IT Freedom, networking is a huge part of my job.  I am the marketing team, the sales team, the business development team, and any other team that involves promoting the company, and generating new revenue and clients.

Two months into the job and hitting a bare minimum of five networking events a week, I’ve learned a few things that make going to events productive.

Get there early.

As they say, the early bird gets the worm, and being one of the first to arrive means there are only a handful of people to navigate.  Striking up a conversation with the early birds means they will introduce you to the people that they know as those people arrive.  This is a great trick to rely on when you’re just joining a group, or don’t know anyone else that will be attending.

Team up.

Once you’ve met a few people, follow up with them and ask them if they would be interested in dividing and conquering at networking events.  This has been especially helpful for me since I’ve become involved with the Austin Chamber of Commerce.  Long time members tend to congregate together and breaking in to a new group can be hard.

Teaming up with someone means you can share each other’s contacts, and that “I don’t know anyone here” feeling is eliminated.  Don’t worry about getting rejected, people are always eager to find ways to make networking easier.

Ask questions.

Everybody knows this one, but it can be the first thing to go when the nerves take over.  Live in Austin?  Most people are transplants, so here’s a great string of questions that can break the ice.  The great thing is that the questions ease you in to the conversation, gives you some context to operate and improvise from, and allows you to properly introduce you’re new contact to someone else, which, by the way, you should make a point in doing.

• Where are you from originally?
• What brought you to Austin?
• What do you think so far?
• What part of town do you live in?
• So you say ______ brought you here for a job, tell me more about what you do.

Give first.

Make an effort to focus your thoughts and questions on how you can help the person you’re talking to.  Everyone else is so eager to give their schpeel that being one of the few listeners in the room will work to your advantage.  Think about it.  The last time that you had a great conversation with someone, were you doing most of the talking?  We like it when people listen to us, and letting someone tell you about themselves reinforces the positive feelings that bubble up during the interaction.

Remember, before someone trusts you, they have to like you.  Use listening as a gateway to a business friendship.

Go where the food is.

I don’t have to explain this one.  I know that’s where I would be.  Plus, this is where a lot of the shy people tend to gravitate.  Another benefit is that there’s already something in front of you to talk about.  Just remember to go easy and don’t hog all the meatballs.

Follow up.

And follow up immediately.  The chances of getting a one on one with someone are higher when you are fresh on their mind.  And if you asked questions and introduced your new contact to other people, you are that much more cemented in to their experience at the event, and not just some random person that threw their business card down.  If you asked questions and focused on helping them, you have already raised your value in their eyes, so reach out while you’re still on their mind.

Before any of this happens, you have to get to the networking event first.  If you have to make a pit stop at home, use my “don’t take your shoes off” rule to make certain you get out the door.  If you’re like most people, pants are next, so leave those puppies on!

Share with the rest of us, what’s been your networking rockstar secret?

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Another glorious guest post from Katrina Tolentino, aka @RealAustin – originally published on one of her blogs. Let her know what you think!

That’s a great question, and one that more people are answering in the affirmative. But you have to know the steps (more coming soon). 18.4 million Americans getting employed through Facebook can’t be wrong…can they?

So you’re on Linkedin and still not sure what to do, or why it’s valuable. Here is an interesting take on the networking site’s meteoric rise, and on it’s continuing growth.

If you haven’t joined yet, get started and be sure to join the CareerConnects and Getting the Gig groups to get yourself warmed up.

Thanks to Jenny DeVaughn for sharing via her Social Precision blog.

Before you ask why you don’t see a picture of the shiny new white iPad2, we’re talking employment, not the Apple Computer patriarch. The job numbers are inching upward, and you can cue the 50 Cent soundtrack,  circa 2003.

More opportunities are opening up, but the majority are lower paying gigs with either discounted benefits or non-existent ones. The market is moving more slowly to create the mid-range salaried positions with full compensation packages that most experienced job seekers are looking for.

How does what you’re seeing in the market compare to this data from eBay?

What do I wear – What do I bring – Where can I park???

The answers to all of these questions and more…

TIME: Sign in is from 7:30 – 9:30am, but you may also just come to specific sessions if you arrive at least 20 minutes before hand. Schedule>>

DRESS: Business Casual with comfy shoes you can stand in – no ties or business suits are needed…unless that’s what makes you comfortable. It’s supposed to be cold and windy on Friday, so dress warm!

RESUMES: You don’t need ‘em. What you DO need…

1. Business Cards if you have them.
2. Pad of paper & pen/pencil to take notes (or notebook computer if you’re fancy, there will be wireless access)
3. A winning smile and an open mind to meet new people, learn and ask questions.

PARKING: Northwest Lobby Entrance of HCBC

Look for signs coming from Little Elm and also 620, that lead you around the building past the school and offices to the Northwest Lobby.  Get directions from your location.

ARE THERE STILL TICKETS? Yes! We have plenty of room, you can sign up online (credit card) or just come in (cash/check). Hot coffee is provided, along with lunch (veggie option) AND the networking happy hour from 4:30-6:00pm where we’ll feed you again. Come meet some fine folks, learn a ton and get well fed.

The 2nd annual CareerConnects event was just listed on a little site you may be familiar with. They have a section called 100+ Upcoming Social Media & Tech Events and thanks to –  you guessed it, our network – we got connected with a very cool and helpful guy at Mashable.

We are now listed at #11 from the top, among some other very cool events. It’s helped increase awareness about our unique event here in Austin, TX.

It helps to have friends in so-called “high places,” but we like to think of them as good friends in the “right places.” You’ll never know what you can accomplish until you start building those true connections with people living in your world.

Have you signed up for Friday’s event yet? Check out who has.

We are all cheeseburgers. All of us, commodities in the work force.

Therefore, we all have to recognize what we actually do to make ourselves memorable.

Being memorable is more than your first impression from a handshake and 60 second elevator speech.  With the rise in Social Business, we are in the unique position to actually have our online presence work for us even when we are at the movies. LinkedIn is an overlooked but critical social media platform.

All of us can better utilize this professional peer-to-peer network to effectively promote ourselves and generate a memorable personal brand.  In my CareerConnects presentation on 2/11, I look forward to sharing my tips and tricks on how to leverage LinkedIn.

You will learn:

• How can I enhance my profile so I stand out?
• LinkedIn Profile vs. Company Profile.  Not just for the job seeker.
• Will this tool really help me find my next top employee?
• Can I really use LinkedIn to find my dream job?
• What are Answers, Polls, and Groups?

I always leave plenty of time for Q&A!

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Elizabeth Quintanilla’s LinkedIn session at CareerConnects is at 1pm on 2/11.

Have you signed up yet?

About our CareerConnects guest blogger and 2011 presenter, Elizabeth Quintanilla:

Elizabeth is a Business Detective, collaborator, consultant, and speaker who focuses on understanding the customer perspective. She independently consults on a variety of topics, which include social media, product management and marketing. Elizabeth enjoys collaborating with marketing teams (especially market research), coaching small businesses through their marketing concerns and speaking at various events. She actively volunteers as a Social Media Ambassador for the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC). Connect with her, you guessed it – here.