What's networking all about? You have been to events with important people you wanted to meet.

Yet when the event was over you realized you never had a chance for face time and you came away nothing. It gave you the general feeling that the event was a waste of time. Dont let that happen again.

You need to have a plan of attack before the event. Spend a few minutes asking yourself why you are attending the event and then strategize to achieve that goal. A few extra minutes advance planning will make the event worth your time.

Inside tips on get the most out of your networking:

Plan to arrive early. Registered guests will have name badges. Look at the badges on the table. They are usually alphabetical order. Peruse the badges to determine who is coming and whom you want to meet.

Pay special attention to the guest, speaker or VIP whose name tags will generally be separated and have ribbons or some identifying marks. Badges may be segregated by vendors vs. users too. So don't forget to look for that identification.

Make a short list of people you want to meet. It is helpful to ask the chairperson in advance to mention that you would like to meet some of the special guests. If that isnt possible, write a note on the back of your business card and leave it on the person's name tag asking for a few minutes of time.

If you're hoping to meet one person in particular, and you know what the person looks like, wait outside or close to the door. This will put you at an advantage to capture a few minutes attention before the event gets in full swing.

Don't monopolize the persons time. Ask for a later meeting if possible.

Smile at every one and look as if you are enjoying yourself. You don't want to appear ill at ease or desperate for someone to talk too.

When greeting someone ask a few icebreaker questions before getting down to the nitty gritty. Encourage other people to talk about themselves or their business.

If its appropriate, offer to get somebody a drink. In most cases, it will be a cash bar so be sure to carry plenty of money.

Introduce people as though they were the most important people in the world.

Never stand between a potential contact and the bar.

Try to position yourself under lights where you are more visible.

Best bet: stand near the food because people are relaxed when eating.

Present your business card at the end of the conversation. Practice small talk, get interesting sound bytes from the news that will engage people in initial conversation, break the ice then launch into your pitch.

Remember the golden words what in it for me. (That would be the person you are talking to. not yourself). Keep these tips in mind as you schmooze your way into a successful relationship.