1. Make up your mind before networking
What would you like to achieve by networking? Specific contacts, information on special topics, trying to make an appointment for a meeting or expand your network with a new contact?

2. Have a short elevator speech ready in advance
Write a short elevator speech (30-60 sec.), in which you are told who you are, where you come from, what you work with and what you are interested in. Feel free to end your elevator pitch with a question, e.g. "where are you from... or what are you most interested in?"

3. Set a goal for how many people you want to network with
If you get nervous at the thought of having to network with a lot of people, set yourself a realistic goal – and make an agreement with yourself or a colleague to achieve it. The goal could e.g. be that you have to network with 3 you don't know beforehand.

4. Be available
Make eye contact with people and smile at them. Eye contact signals "I've seen you" and breaks down the first barrier to a meeting. When we smile, we show friendliness, openness and kindness. DO NOT join a closed group of colleagues.

5. Ask open questions
Ask questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. Ask open questions that start with "What", "where", "how"... E.g. "In companies like yours, how do you do..." or "What does your work entail".

6. Prepare yourself for how you would answer your own questions
Be prepared to be able to answer the same question that you have asked yourself.

7. Give your business card
Have your business card ready so you can share it with those you talk to. Ask e.g. "shouldn't we just exchange business cards". It is an invitation to follow up and remember who you have been talking to.

8. Invite others into the conversation
Pay attention to whether there are others nearby who are standing alone, whom you can invite into the conversation. Introduce them to what you are talking about so that they feel welcome and invited to join the conversation. Eg. "We're just standing there talking about..."

9. End the conversation elegantly
Avoid being "trapped" for a long time in a conversation, so that you don't get to network with more people. End the conversation politely and elegantly. Acknowledge the other person for an exciting conversation and say, for example "It was really nice to meet you - I just have to say hello to a few others" or ask for help, e.g. "Is there anyone here (at the conference) you think I should meet/talk to?"

10. Follow up
Within one week of the meeting, you must follow up on the contact. Via LinkedIn, a personal email or phone call. For example, by writing "it was nice to meet you..."

If you want to know more about the network's DNA and how you can become better at networking, watch it here