With so many networking opportunities out there to choose from, how do you find the people who would be a good fit for your network? Yes, technically speaking, anyone could be a great addition to your network – after all, each person knows between 200-250 people – but it’s important to take the time to define the kinds of people you want to meet and what you want to get out of each interaction.

One of the networking groups I attend has a formal process for getting everyone to converse. The event kicks off with a speed networking session in which every person at your table gets exactly one minute to explain:

• Who you are
• What you do
• What you need from the group

It’s not enough to simply ask for “more business.” The point of the exercise is to be as specific as possible about what “more business” means to you. That is, who is a good fit for you and how you help them. It’s the perfect opportunity to practice your response to “What do you do for a living?” and follow up with exactly what you need from the group as “I’m looking for…”

If you need something aside from “more business” – such as resources on how to publish a book, people who would be willing to be interviewed for a guide you’re putting together, a professional speaking coach to help you prepare for a talk you’ll be giving in two months, a referral for a good web designer or even contacts at specific companies – you can ask the group for their suggestions and referrals.

Even if your networking group doesn’t provide that type of formal structure, having prepared answers to those questions will help you feel more comfortable and will give you something to talk about with attendees. Asking for help is a great way to strike up a conversation – perhaps even find common ground and start building rapport – and gives your conversation partner the opportunity to help you out in the process.

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