As a frequent networker, I'm putting together a small "networking kit" to make life easier for myself and people I meet while networking:

Business cards -- don't leave home without 'em. Keep them in your wallet, your bag, your pocket, anywhere. You never know when you'll need one, and you don't want to be caught short.

Breath mints -- yes, being memorable is important, but being remembered as a walking biohazard is never a good thing. Gum is also okay, but can be messy to dispose of.

A pen -- to scribble on napkins or other things. Nothing too flashy, since if you're anything like me, you lose pens all the time. Actually, an Ikea pencil would be ideal, since it can't leak, it's small and it's free. On the other hand, you can't make notes on your hand with one.

Blank cards -- having a supply of blank business cards can be a boon if you run out, or to those who've forgotten theirs. No more remembering to forward your details to someone, and less clumsy than lugging around a notebook.

This one's a bit of a dirty trick, and we're a bit reluctant to spread it around since it probably won't work once too many people know it. Anyway, on with the tip...

If you bump into someone you recognise but can't quite place their name, mention that you've mislaid their card and that you need a new one from them. Check this before you pocket it and you once again have their name. Problem solved!

Fumbling for your cards waste time and be a lot of trouble. So, just before you get to the event, transfer a batch of cards to an empty pocket. Then when someone asks for a card, all you have to do is reach in and whip one out. Less time, less hassle and much cooler than not being able to find your card case.

To make sure they don't get mangled, don't sit down too much between the pocket/card transfer and handing your cards out, especially if you keep them in your back pocket as I do.

Why is Networking So Tough?

For anyone coming to a new town, be it Shanghai or anywhere else, networking is essential -- after all, how else can you integrate into the community? The first networking event you attend can be like your first day at school -- you don't know anyone, you don't know how to behave and you're worried about what others will think of you. When you're there for the first time with all the other strangers, the only thing you want to do is go home, even though you know staying is for your own good.

When I was starting Shanghai Networking News, I had a problem explaining to people what it was all about. I'd just stand there umming and aahing about helping people connect, making it easier to network and all sorts of other vague verbiage.

I was in a bind; How could I get people interested if I couldn't even explain what I did? Then I remembered reading something ages ago about an "elevator pitch" -- a quick summary you can rattle off about yourself, your company or anything else in the time it takes to make an elevator journey.

Let's face it: most business cards are dull, dull, dull.

Companies follow the same old formula: get a white piece of cardboard, print your logo, name, position, etc on it, hand it out. Yawn. It's just another white rectangle amongst many -- and what does that say about your company?

5. Don't forget your cards

We've all been there -- taking a bundle of cards and then realising we've run out. Just don't make a habit of it, and for god's sake don't tell us you "don't believe in cards, because they're just so impersonal, aren't they?" What? You think we'll remember you out of a room of dozens of other people if you don't have a card? How arrogant is that?