You’ve probably heard that people do business with those they know, like and trust. This is a simple truth. That’s why savvy business owners regularly invest their time and money to attend live seminars and meetings.
But just showing up at a peer networking  events is not the secret that will automatically reward you with a boost to your bottom line!  Sure, it’s great to get out of the office for a change of scenery, learn new information, and do some peer to peer networking with colleagues and/or new business prospects. But the real magic of live events happens AFTER the event is over. That is, if you know the real secret to effective networking.  Let me give it to you in just one word: Follow-up!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve attended a live seminar or a local Chamber meeting where I had a productive conversation with someone who promised to stay in touch with me - never to be heard from again. Of course, I’ve been guilty of that same networking sin myself on occasion too.  So let’s be clear on this. Just showing up with good intentions won’t get you the results you want. To make peer networking profitable, you must be focused and proactive.