#4-NETWORKING

Networking. What a word! It's taken me years to know how to do this. In the beginning you are very often just standing there with a drink in your hand with a goofy smile on your face. You're standing there sort of like a display case waiting for someone to comment on your dress so you can pounce on them. It's weird and unnatural. There's a way to do it and I'm going to try to explain that here.

#1- DRESS THE PART
When I say this I don't mean you have to run out and buy a suit. In the beginning I wore suits- like a FREAK- and found that the most relaxed and approachable people were wearing a groovy shirt and a clean pair of jeans. You have to dress like YOU. Look like what you want to present to people. Style is important. You're style. Start there. Don't worry about what other people are wearing. But don't be intentionally contrary. Don't show up in weird shorts and old flip flops just because you're comfortable. Dress nicely as YOU. Also-here's a big one to wrap your head around. Dress as you would dress if you were where you wanted to be in life. What I mean is look like you're doing fine financially and appear relaxed..even if both aren't true. This is VERY important. Don't look and act broke. Feel and look like you're doing great. This will give the impression to the people you want to talk to that you're worth talking to because clearly...you're doing ok. You can worry about your cable bill later.

#2-HAVE BUSINESS CARDS
That's clear I would hope. Yes- appearance matters. People like a cool looking card thats different from everyone else. Seems ike the whole world gets those free business cards that have the company's website pronted on them. Thise are awful. Every person whose given me one says the same thing to me after I comment on how nice the card is (I'm lying). They say, "Yeah- well at least it was free!". This is a representative of you and what you think your business is worth. You can spend a very small amount of money for a nice card. Do it!

#3- DON'T DRINK BOOZE
Stay clean and treat this like business. It can be fun business, but it's still business and you must have all of your brain cells alert for a possible glint of an opportunity. Plus, taking care of yourself is attractive. People like that. Plus listening is key and you're going to do a lot better at listening with seltzer in hand.

#4-LISTEN
Make it your goal to ask people what they do and really listen to them. Find something in there that interests you, even if you could care less about accounting. You never know who people know. If people knew who I knew I'd have a red carpet in front of me everywhere I went.

#5-SUM YOURSELF UP
When it's your turn to talk about what you do say it in one sentence. Also, depending on who you're talking to, know how to punch up certain sections more than others. Also say it like you love it! If you are excited about what you do you will intrigue the person you are talking to. Why? Because most people are miserable at their jobs and when they find someone who loves theirs...well...it's a treat and can be very inspiring.

#6-KEEP THE "DAY JOB" TO YOURSELF
Ok, so you are a waiter full time and haven't made a lot of money as an artist yet. SO WHAT!!! Never ever ever define yourself by how you pay your bills. Define yourself by your passion...ONLY! Nobody wants to hear how you're struggling. They want to hear how you're succeeding. Empower yourself. Read THE SECRET. What you say and think is what becomes the reality. Plus you don't want to be doing your day job. Talk about what you do want to do and say that's what you do!

#7- DO YOUR HOMEWORK
If you can access a list of who is attending an event prior to your arive then google everyone. If not, then research what you can and be sure to follow up with everyone you meet the next day either by phone or email. Email is my preference. It's less obtrusive, particularly when I don't really know a person. Plus you can hang up on email ( ;

#8- DON'T BRING YOUR DATE
C'mon! You're there to do business. If I want to talk to you about what you do then I really don't need your husband standing there looking at me with eager silence...or worse...like he could care less. Truth is, unless you are known professionally as a couple it's a crutch to bring your spouse. Just dive in alone! Be brave! Plus never under estimate sex appeal. I'm not sayin gflirt and cheat on your spouse at these things, but no need to advertise your love life. Just look fabulous and WORK IT!

Please let me know if you use my tips and how they work for ya! Good luck!