This time of year is very busy for successful business people. Networking groups, trade groups, business groups, charitable groups, civic groups, educational groups-all are in full gear with meetings every moment of the week. If you are a business person active out there in the community, or looking to make contacts, the array of opportunities may seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you decide how to spend your time effectively in networking:

• First, assess the group before you assess the event. Is this a group which can provide potential meaningful sales leads? Can it provide resources to help you and your company improve the way you do business? Can it provide resources to help your clients? Is it a group which gets things done- has an impact in accordance with its mission? Does it provide a benefit to the community, you individually, or your company or clients? If you can't answer yes to any of these questions, then you should not waste your time on the group.
• Assuming you have answered yes to one or more of the questions about the group, now look at the event you're considering. First and foremost- is it at a convenient time for you? Nothing is more important than you and you always need to keep your needs as a priority. No amount of networking will provide benefit if you're overstressed, overwhelmed or unable to focus. If its inconvenient, are the potential benefits so enormous that they outweigh all the problems?
• Will the event advance a personal or business interest? (By the way- its okay to attend something just because you think it will be fun and enjoyable!). Will it advance your position in the group or with the attendees? Don't just think about short term benefits Ð think about the long term implications. As all veteran networkers know, networking is not a short term thing. In particular, when it comes to using networking to sell your products or services- it generally takes lots of time and energy invested over a long period to see the benefits to your business. People need to trust you, be able to rely on you,etc. in order to use your products or services. Obtaining resources and advice from fellow networkers certainly works much faster but you don't want to be known as someone who takes and runs-for all the resources you take from a group and its members, you should also be known as someone who gives back.
• Once at an event, maximize your time there. Make sure to network with people you don't know in addition to your friends and known colleagues. Follow some basic guidelines- wear a name tag (with big letters- we have an aging sight challenged population). Wear the name tag on your right shoulder. When someone goes to shake your hand, their line of sight automatically goes there. Have plenty of business cards. Stand in the bar or food lines and strike up a conversation with the person in front of you and the person behind you. Visit display tables and ask questions of the vendors. If you have the opportunity to speak or in other ways be the center of attention, take it-you can't sell to people or receive resources from them if they don't know about you. Speaking is a great way to get everyone in the room to recognize you.

Remember, navigating the "lunch, munch and brunch scene" doesn't have to be an unrewarding marathon. Attend those events where you have a real interest in supporting the group/event or feel you can benefit personally or professionally from the time spent. Ultimately, successful networking is about having fun while you work and everyone wants to be around fun people.