Many times people attend networking events thinking there is an etiquette that is specific for networking.  They assume that general business etiquette is not enough, or may not be right.  Susan Fignar of Pur-Sue, Inc. is a national speaker on professional appearance and etiquette.  When I started The Professional Networker I wanted to have an expert look at my appearance and tweek it.  Susan did just that.  But some of the lessons I have learned from Susan in our shared networking world and common sense business etiquette seems to be appropriate for repeating.

1. Be sure you are dressed appropriately for the event and your industry with clean, neat attire. 
2. When someone introduces themselves to you, listen for their name.  They may want to be called by their formal name “Richard” instead of the more casual name “Rich”.
3. Use their name often in the conversation.  It may help you remember their name.
4. Women should carry their business cards in a purse or jacket pocket so their hands are free.  My friend Anna Maria Viti-Welch of Guy Viti Insurance found a wonderful purse that has a long shoulder strap that she can use for networking.  Now both of her hands are free to shake new acquaintances hands.
5. Hand someone a business card ONLY if they ask for it.  Be sure to hand it to them so they can read it.
6. Large networking events are for meeting new people.  To meet people that you may find to be a good referral source.  Only time will tell.  The relationship starts after the event when you get together outside for a one-on-one meeting.
7. Always thank people for meeting them.  A good handshake, a smile and looking them in the eyes goes a long way to increasing your likeability factor.

There are several great books out about etiquette:

• Power Etiquette - What You Don’t Know Can Kill Your Career - by Dana May Casperson
• The Etiquette Advantage in Business - by Peggy Post and Peter Post
• The New Professional Image by Susan Bixler

The unfortunate thing about books is that the knowledge is not personal.  If you have questions about your personal image or business etiquette, please call Susan Fignar at Pur-Sue, Inc., Kali Evans-Raoul of The Image Studios, Laura Siebold of Live Style, Robin Walker of My Wardrobe Companion, or Bonnie Mahaffey of Polished Professional Image.  I know each one of these wonderful woman and they can definately put you on the right path for image and etiquette.