How can you make your networking experience a valuable one? What is the single, most important action you can take at a networking meeting?

It is simply to show up and be present.

This may sound like no big deal to you, but the fact is that there are plenty of people who show up at networking meetings and they go home or back to work with nothing to show for it. They might say it was a waste of time, they didnt meet anyone to do business with and they didnt learn anything at all. This is not anyones fault but their own. What this means is that they werent fully present.

A networking meeting is fertile ground for anyone who cares to show up and be truly present. It is the path to the kingdom, the road to riches and the little thing that make the big difference. Networking is the key to business success, and it all starts with showing up and being present.

Being fully present is definitely an action. It is not just about being in the room, in your body, sitting in the chair, breathing the air, eating the food and taking up space. Being present is an action. Being present is much more involved than it sounds. Being present takes energy. Being present takes brain waves. Being present is most definitely an action.

There are five steps to being fully present.

First, being present means being aware. When you walk in to the room, take a few seconds to look around the room. Take it all in. See whos in attendance. Ask yourself Whos here that I know I would like to connect with today? Whos here that I dont know and I would like to meet? What can I learn from these people today? How can I serve this group today? Be aware of the energy, the people, and the space. Be aware of the time, the sounds and the silence. Be aware of your impact on those you connect with. Being fully present is being aware.

Second, being present is listening. It isnt always important to talk. In fact, some of the best conversations you will ever have with anyone are the ones where you do most of the listening. The conversations, where you simply interject a comment or a nod of your head here and there, can be the most insightful. The ones where you ask the questions and you receive the answers with enthusiasm and undivided attention are the ones where you have the opportunity to create a deep bond. Listening is an art. Being present is about listening.

Third, being present is about being genuinely interested in what is going on around you. Being genuinely interested often requires you to ask questions. Showing a genuine interest in someone or something often leads to new knowledge for you. Being genuinely interested often leads to a new relationship. Sometimes, being interested for a short time will let you know where not to spend your time in the future. Being genuinely interested leads to valuable information, and the more information you have, the more valuable you are!

Fourth, being present is about engaging your mind before you take action or speak. It is about thinking three or four responses ahead. It is about not asking the questions you dont want the answers to. It is about making sure you are being true to yourself and moving away when the conversations around you do not serve or the energy is draining you. Being present is about engaging your mind.

Finally, being present is about giving and receiving. It is about giving your energy to the group, to the speaker to the facilitator. It is about giving your full attention to the immediate conversation in which you are involved. It is about giving your time, your specialized knowledge and your thoughts to whoever is in need of them. Giving is fully 50% of the Universal Law of Giving and Receiving.

The other 50% is in the Receiving. It is about receiving the compliments, advice and know-how from others. It is about sharing in the laughter, the smiles and the concerns. It is about a give and take relationship, kind of like breathing in and breathing out. Being present is always a two-way street.

Who knew that being present could be so involved? Who knew it could be so complicated? And who knew that being fully present is synonymous with networking? If you already know this, kudos to you! If youre just learning now, thats great!

If you still dont think Networking is about being fully present, try not being present at a meeting and notice how you feel. Chances are, you will find it a waste of time. And I dont know about you, but I know I have no time to waste.

Time is precious and Networking takes time. So, go ahead and follow these steps. Make your time networking work for you!