Ever feel as if networking events are just a waste of time?  If so, it may be time for you to do a little more planning so that you can maximize the benefit of next networking event. Here are a few tips on how you can get the most out of networking events:

1. Do your research beforehand and try to find out who will attend the event before you arrive.  Oftentimes, event organizers have compiled a list of attendees. If you ask for it they may just be willing to share.
2. Once you receive your list of attendees choose a few names/companies that may be of interest to you. Do your research on them beforehand and find out how they would benefit from connecting with you.
3. Even if you don’t receive a list of attendees, take the time to scope out the room.  In other words, find out who is there before you allow one or two attendees to occupy all of your time.  It may help to decide what your purpose is before you attend the event.  Do you want to meet knew clients or prospective job candidates? What type of employer/job candidate are you looking for?  All of these factors will come into play when deciding who to target when attending the event.
4. Remember, less is sometimes more.  If you only have two hours to attend your next networking event, you may want to limit how many people you talk to. Think about it, if you had four conversations that lasted ten minutes, that would take up 40 minutes, and that’s without any breaks in between. Using targeted networking will help you maximize the benefits of the event. Choose a few prospects, then spend the bulk of your time connecting with them.
5. Make your way to the front of the room.  Does the networking event offer an opportunity to speak or conduct a workshop?  If so, send in a proposal.  Speaking or doing a workshop can give you quick and easy access to the people you want to meet.