Whether you go out to networking events or to a movie with friends, it’s important to always bring business cards. It may seem silly to bring your business card to some place that isn’t a business function, but if you are like most business people, you may find yourself starting conversations all the time.

Networking is one of the most important activities you can do for your career--no matter where you are or where you are at in your career. The next person you meet might know of or be hiring for someone with your skill set.  Expanding your network is the name of the game.

GOLDEN RULES:

First of all, if you are in the market of looking for a new job or looking to advance your career there are 2 golden rules that superceede all the rest.

1. Never leave home without your business card

After that networking conversation, you'll want to give this person a chance to contact you.

2. Always leave the house looking presentable

In order to get the part, you have to look the part. Of course you don’t have to go out in a three piece suit, just make sure your jeans don’t have holes in them and your sweatshirt or t-shirt doesn’t have any profanities or large stains.

With specific networking events you already have an in, everyone is there to meet people and it’s likely a like-minded group so you already have topics to talk about. What happens when you’re at a casual party and you overhear someone talking about a business venture, or job opportunity that interests you? How do you start that conversation? Although the desire to jump lawn chairs and knock people over to get in this person's face and say “ME! I’m an awesome and talented person” is there, I would recommend not doing that.  Below are some tips for opening conversations in this situation:

Tips for opening conversations

1. Plan Ahead. So you hear a conversation and your business card is in your back pocket. Don’t just throw it in someone's face. Plan your conversation/greeting or politely inject yourself in to the conversation – BEFORE you join it. Doing so on the fly can have disastrous results.
2. Don’t be rude. Seems simple enough. Just keep tabs on that eagerness you feel. Remember basic manners.
3. It's a Two-Way Street. Remember to listen as well as talk. Listening is a sought after skill set. Employers will take notice if you are able to listen so before you open your mouth, open your ears.
4. Ask questions to engage the other person. Ask them anything that is relevant. Stray away from personal topics unless they bring it up first. 
5. How about you? These words are a great way to end your sentence. If someone asks you what you're interested in, or where you work, tell them, then end your description with those words. It’s a great way to keep the conversation and the more you learn about them, the more you’ll know how they fit in to your network.
6. Be Confident. Make sure you sound confident. Don’t cross that line of a know-it-all. 
7. Pay attention to your body language. Keep your hands out of your pockets, don’t fidget, never cross your arms in front of your chest and of course, no gum chewing. Doing these can be a turn-off switch for some people. Crossing your arms in front of your chest can signal to someone that you are uninterested in the conversation. So don’t do it.
8. Give them your business card. Once the conversation dies down a little bit and you’re ready to exit the conversation, you should give them your business card. Introduce your business card like it’s a new friend or ask if you can trade business cards. Sentences like, “here’s my business card, we should continue this conversation” or “Would you like to trade business cards” most people won’t say no.
9. Make sure your business card is presentable. After all your hard work of networking, make sure you don’t hand them an unimpressive business card. Make sure they are clean, designed, and clear to read.

If you’re looking for more ideas for your business card, check out the gallery at Plasticprinters.com. There are many to choose from and many different types that will help make your networking session successful.