If you’re a business owner, you probably spend quite a lot of your time at networking events. In fact, it may be main way you try to get new clients. But do you ever feel that you could get more from these meetings? Do you actually get results from your networking to justify amount of time you put into it?

If you don’t find you get a lot of interest from people you meet, it may be that you’re going about things wrong way. You may need a new approach.

My own view is that you can’t go far wrong if you think of networking more like dating. The two activities have a lot in common ( although, I must admit, I’m relying on distant memory here ). Here are some things you need to think about.

1. What sort of person do you want to meet?

If your answer is “ anyone “ you risk wasting time talking to a lot of people who just aren’t going to be “ one “. You also sound a bit desperate, to be honest. Not everyone is going to be your ideal client. Once you know who that is, you can be more choosy about who you talk to.

2. Where are you likely to meet them?

There are lots of places to meet people, but where will you find your ideal person – in a club, at evening classes, at Bingo? Don’t just go to first place you find, pick event where you know person you’re looking for is most likely to be.

3. Think about joining a dating agency so you can look through details of other members.

Look at members list of any group before joining if you can get hold of it ( ask for photographs if possible ). Also, look at list of attendees before a meeting so you can make a beeline for people you want to talk to.

4. Accept that it takes time to build a relationship.

Don’t expect too much too soon. People will need time to get to know and trust you and, in this case, you’re looking for a long term relationship, not a one – night stand.

5. Think of something interesting to say about yourself.