Before you attend the event write down what your strengths, attributes and special skills are in order for you to know why someone should be interested in what you have to offer. Keep these strengths in your mind in order to boost your self confidence and remind yourself of why others should be talking to you and listening to what you have to say.

Next picture the room in your mind and picture yourself shaking hands and talking with people. Visualizing everything you will be doing can really help even the shyest individual. Visualization is a powerful tool used by many successful people, whether in business, sports or entertainment.

Then when you finally show up, make sure you have a confident posture, a controlled walk, a smile on you face and you greet people with a firm handshake. Also don't forget to make lots of eye contact. You can then use your immediate environment to start a conversation, such as the venue or the host. This will help you find a common bond and to keep the conversation going. Always start with small talk before you get down to business.

When you do start talking business have some questions prepared to ask people in order to find out what their needs are and then you can shape the conversation to show how your services will people in these areas. You don't have to be pushy you're better to soft sell yourself and build interest. This will make people more receptive to being helped by you.

Talking is only half of the event. Whenever it comes to your turn to speak remember to repeat the individuals name back to them, actively listen to what they have to say and keep a mental database of as many details as you can about the person to whom you are talking. If possible always get a business card and don't be afraid to ask for it. The best time to ask is usually after they have talked about what they do and then you can offer yours in return.

Then when you return home be sure to write out information on the back of the card or on a sheet of paper that can be stapled to the card. This way you can maintain and build a rapport for future meetings, emails and phone conversations. Everyone likes a person who remembers them. Then within 24 hours be sure to email everyone and say how much you enjoyed meeting them and mention a detail you remember and suggest they keep in touch with you.