Let’s tackle a key topic for any self-respecting networker: THE DIARY. 
The better you plan your week’s diary with the different events to attend, the more effective you’ll be and the better contacts you’ll make. The number of events out there is overwhelming, so you’ll need to identify the ones that are key to your professional goals. The further ahead you plan, the better.
How do I find the events that interest me most?
•First, be clear about what you offer, both personally and as a company.
•Define your target audience and where to find them.
•Subscribe to newsletters on your topics or areas of interest.
•Read and take part in blogs that are also related to your business.
•Sign up to online groups or forums you can get something out of, whether simply information, ideas or business opportunities.
•Read the daily papers, the business press and specialist magazines to find out about upcoming conferences, seminars, award ceremonies and events.
•Visit the main websites of the chambers of commerce; they have countless activities, which are not exclusive to their members either.
•Gather all the information on trade fairs held in your city or country that you can attend as a visitor or even as an exhibitor.
•Recommend events to the people you know and ask them to keep you in mind and tell you about any that might interest you.
•Create your own networking events and tell all your contacts about them; make them visible, above all online.
Here are some links to find the best events:
Before the event:
1.Find out who, or what kind of people, will be attending
2.Check their profiles on the professional networks
3.Make a first contact online with some of them
4.Mind the dress code, or ask someone before you go
5.Identify in advance what you want to achieve at the event and who you want to talk to
6.Think about how you want to introduce yourself (your elevator pitch)
7.Take some simple sales material, such as a leaflet or brochure that’s easy to carry
8. Get to the event in good time so you don’t arrive late or rushing and out of breath
9. You need to be impeccably turned out and wearing your best smile
10.Take a good supply of business cards with you
Happy Networking!
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