Although it was many moons ago, I can still remember going to my first business-only cocktail party.

I was in my mid-20s and was invited by a judicial hopeful and we were attending a fundraiser for a presidential candidate. All along the ride, with excitement oozing through my veins, I was being told what would be happening at the function.

I could have been going to the moon for all I cared. After one of the longest 15-minute rides, we arrived and my mentor looked over at me and said: "Now we are going to work this room; just follow my suit.'' I can't remember honestly what went on that evening. I did get to meet and greet and pass out buttons, but what has always stayed with me is the term `working the room'. I now smile to myself, because back then, I totally misunderstood the meaning.

Now I fully understand that ever so important business-networking tool.

Unfortunately, it's a tool we either forget to use or don't use it effectively.

For some it's because of simply not knowing how to incorporate business at a social gathering into a business contact. And some will say they are too shy to promote themselves.

Then there are some who will frankly say they go out for fun and a good time and don't want to mix their pleasurable `down time' with business. This article is not for the latter, because I find it quite asinine not to use any opportunity available, especially when there is a possibility it can develop into future business, to one's full advantage.

Always try to market yourself, your products and or services at all social gatherings you attend. At conferences, lunches and cocktail parties (whatever the occasion) try to use the opportunity to exchange pertinent business information with others.

If you sense the other person just don't want to talk business, don't be pushy, because that can work against you. If that ever happens to you, casually change the topic of conversation to a personal interest and try to set up a luncheon or meeting.

Below is a list of tips to help you before your next business/social event. If followed, you will be better prepared and more comfortable.

Make up an agenda for yourself, including what you are going to say. A short rehearsed commercial about your business will prove helpful.

Make sure you have lots of business cards on you. They are an instant insurance policy for future contacts.

Exchange business cards, and use the back to jot down a reminder of what was discussed. This is extremely important when making future contacts.

Arrive on time. Late arrivals are annoying and put your time-management style in a negative light.

A friendly smile, eye contact, and a strong handshake are all equally important.

Learn how to make interesting small talk with people at all levels. You never know how much influence the people you are meeting have in their own arena.

Don't be a social snob! If your business or name is unusual, in your introduction share a mind jogger for them to remember you by. I usually say, "hello, great to meet you, my name is Cindy Swan and I help relieve people from the pain of not being able to find stuff and I'm also from Belize.'' This serves as not only an introduction to who I am, but also to what I do professionally and my birthplace, which encourages extensive dialogue.

Introduce yourself and talk about yourself for no more than 25 seconds, then ask the other person what they do. Be careful of your body language. Some of the people you meet may bore you to tears, but a warm smile must prevail.

Directly ask if they use your product or services and if they don't, briefly go over the capabilities and qualities of yours.

Don't get trapped into talking with people who have similar interest to yours.

This can be difficult even for the well established `room worker'. It's an ineffective and lazy way out of a productive networking session.

Know who the leaders are and make sure you greet and introduce yourself to them. Make sure they have your business card.

Keep circulating. Your purpose is to make lots of contacts. If you do find you need more time with a particular individual, schedule a future meeting or lunch where you will have each other's undivided attention.

Follow up (within one week) on promises made. Follow-ups can be made with either telephone calls, thank you notes or e-mails.

Establishing a good initial rapport at a networking business social function can turn into long-lasting business relationships. This is why I strongly urge you to use all opportunities available to you.

I guess if you are at the top of your business financial ladder, your `work the room' days are over.

But I can say, even if I was at the top of my financial ladder, I would still "work the room'', because it's fun and it doesn't have to be a dreadful chore.

Make it enjoyable for yourself by proper preparation. Your reward will be a big smile, possibly all the way to the bank.

Cindy Swan is a Professional Organiser with over 20 years of office administrative managerial experience. Address inquiries to Cindy Swan, PO Box 304 St. George's GEBX or email her at bermudagolf yibl.bm.