We all are familiar with the saying,"It's not what you know, it's who you know." While networking may come easy for some, for others, like myself, it may not be that effortless. Here are some tips that will help take the edge off of going to networking events. If you put these tips into practice you will be a networking pro in no time.

1. Set Goals Prior to Going
People do not go to networking events to just look pretty and smile. Everyone has some sort of agenda. For the most part, that agenda is to meet new people and make connections with them that can help them in the future. With everything related to growing a business or a brand there needs to be some sort of strategy behind it. So a good networking tip is making a goal of meeting 'x' amount of people before actually going to the event and following up with them afterwards. This helps to make you to be more focused at these events. Also you can research the attendees beforehand if a list is made public. This can allow you to be even more targeted in the people you connect with.

2. Don't Let Your Nerves Block Your Connections
Obviously, a big networking event no-no is being shy! What is the point of going to an event to meet people and make connections if you are too shy to approach anyone. You can't expect to make any good connections if you are scared to meet new people. Also it is not a good idea to cling to the friends you came with? Personally, this is one of my biggest challenges because I am naturally shy when it comes to people I do not know. I think it comes from that whole "don't talk to strangers" thing we were taught growing up. At networking events, do not be afraid to sit next to people you do not know and be the conversation starter. People are naturally nervous around individuals they don't know; if they see you as approachable and feel your good vibes they will be more likely to want to connect with you afterwards.

3. Have a Teamwork Mentality
Another good strategy is to doing tip #1 of setting a goal of how many people you want to meet with your friends and when the event is over you all get back together and share the connections you have made. For example, If you come to an event with a group of 4 people and have a goal to each meet 5 new people, that is 20 new connections you just made without even having to do all the work. Going to networking events with friends is a good idea if you are not afraid to branch out!

4. Don't Leave Home Without Your Cards
Something that is a necessity for attending networking events other than being approachable is having business cards with you at all times. I often leave with a bad impression if I meet someone at an event, we have a good conversation, and when I ask for his or her card they say "Oh I don't have any cards right now, but you can go to our website" or "I just ran out of cards." What is that about? How are you going to come and meet people without a way to properly follow-up with you and you personally. I don't want to have to scour the Internets to find you again, that's why I came to meet you in person. So make sure you come with cards that have a direct way to connect and follow up and also bring more than enough cards with you so you don't run out halfway through the event. Remember to always order more cards when you feel like you are getting low on them.