1. Be on time. Actually, be there early. If you are more shy than outgoing, make sure you go earlier to the event. People will be coming one by one and you will be able to start a conversation without feeling overwhelmed by the crowd. Furthermore, you will have an opportunity to introduce yourself before anyone else and that's one way to leave a lasting impression. It might even be easier to approach someone influential since the chances of that person being alone and not surrounded by an eager crowd are higher at the beginning of the event.

2. Don't talk only to the people you already know. Go meet the organizers of the event. The organizers can help you by setting you off in the right direction and can introduce you to other attendees. If you see people staying by themselves, go talk to them. They would be grateful you approached them. Don't try to meet as many people as possible. Quantity is not a quality in this case. Short interactions won't take you anywhere. Aim to have meaningful dialogues. Not to have a ton of them.

3. What's in the name … People enjoy hearing their names. They will like you more if you use their name in conversation. Furthermore, it will help you memorize it faster. Repeat the name back when you get introduced and use it 2-3 times during the conversation. Make sure you always have at least one free hand so that you can properly introduce yourself- with a firm handshake.

4. Keep the conversation eye-to-eye. Keep eye contact with your conversation partner. Use body language to your advantage: smile, not, tilt your body towards your partner. These small gestures go a long way and will help you build the foundation of a lasting business relationship.

5. It's ok to be banal. When it comes to starting a conversation, everything goes. Ok, maybe the weather or the latest celebrity gossip is not ideal, but if that's all you can think of, go ahead. Maybe the other person will accept the challenge and take the conversation to a business topic you have in common. After all, you are all there to network and find the right people. Go ahead and start that conversation.

6. Have your "elevator pitch" ready. Be very succinct and specific when you talk about yourself. If you are specific about what you do and what others can do to help you, they might as well do it. Consider what would the other person like to know about you, how could you fit in their network. You will have a short time to deliver your personal value proposition. Make it so good that the person you are speaking with stays to hear what else you have to say.

7. Don't just wait there. Whenever you are in a line, use the opportunity to meet people around you. Not sure what to talk about? Check again #5.

8. Don't try to be everywhere. Just like with trying to talk to everyone, trying to attend all the events won't take you anywhere. Commit yourself only to the sessions and events that will be useful in your line of work or when looking for partners or leads. Furthermore, chances are, you will meet the same people who are interested in similar topics, which will give you a good ice breaker when approaching them.

9. There is a party and you are invited. And we are not talking only about the bar (we'll get there in a few more points, no worries). Join conversations. If you wait enough, there will be a natural break and you will be able to introduce yourself. Sometimes you might even help out someone to change the topic or give someone a chance to go meet new people. If you think you've joined the wrong conversation, just excuse yourself and move on.

10. Be the missing link. When you talk to people, make the pieces fit together. Maybe you are not the right person for them, but you know who is. Sharing is caring, especially when it comes to contacts. And you can be sure, people will respond in kind. They will start introducing you to other people and your network will growly steadily. So remember people even if they are of no immediate use to you personally.

11. Find the bar. Yes, we made it to the bar. Don't drink too much, but rather use it as a vantage point. Even if you are not drinking, many people go to the bar at one point or another. You can use it to start a conversation.

12. Be the best version of yourself. Don't cut yourself short: if you have something special about you, tell the rest of the world about it. That's not the time to be modest. If you've done something cool or met an amazing client or used a new service or a product: make sure you mention it. Don't be afraid to do a bit of self-promotion. Make sure you give people something to remember you by. Don't try to be the person they want to meet- be authentic and genuine. They will feel it.