What Do Driving And Networking Have In Common?

On my way into the office, it seemed that most people were weaving and dodging traffic, only to find that they ended up no more than one car length (okay maybe two) ahead of me.  Can you imagine the stress of trying to stay ever so slightly ahead by one car length. 

Here's my take on driving to work or to a client's office: 
a) plan your route
b) choose radio station that carries the best traffic update
c) focus on your driving and adjust your path according to the traffic report
d) enjoy the ride.  Listen to self-development tapes or your favorite music between traffic updates
e) arrive less stressed than the other drivers
 
So what does this have to do with networking?  Well, many people just hurry and scurry about at networking events.  They spray and pray (as in deal out business cards) hoping that something will stick and/or they will be remembered.  Just like the car dodging in and out of traffic, you will get where you are going but what a stressful and unpredictable way to do it.  Here are some simple starter steps for networking:

a) plan a route to your success (self-marketing plan - SMP)
b) choose people you need to meet
c) focus on relationship building - give without remembering;  receive without forgetting; constantly review your 3-key types of networks to see who else you need to meet.
d) enjoy the journey.  Experience meeting each person and learn about the F.A.B.U.L.O.S.** traits of those who belong in your network. ** Not a typo - will be featured in future blog - watch for it.

Where do you need the most help with networking?  a), b), c) or d) ?