BizJournals.com:
So, you went to that business networking event. You met a lot of people, smiled, said nice things and even handed out your business cards to everyone you met. Then you went back home and dutifully sent a letter saying how nice it was to meet them.
Still no business is coming your way.
What is wrong with this picture? Why aren’t all these people - or at least some of them - calling you and asking for your products? Didn’t you do what they told you in ‘Networking 101′ on ‘How to Get Business?’
Well, for starters, that plastic, robotic approach seldom works. It is missing a prime ingredient in relationship marketing - being human! Everyone knows that drill. You have to demonstrate the 2 characteristics to achieve success in business and in building business relationships; acquire quantum competence and develop quality alliances. Both of these take time and can’t be done overnight. Sorry. That’s just the way things work on this planet
Subscribe 
Bravo! Loved the post! I remember going to a networking event a few years ago and as I was walking into the room full of people, there was a woman standing at the entrance handing her business card to EVERYONE that walked in. There was no relationship developed - nothing! Then she had the nerve to email me (the list of participants was given to everyone) to tell me how wonderful it was to meet me.
Talk about a poor first impression and no idea abou relationship networking.
Huge events are nice to set the goal of meeting 2, 3, or 4 people that you want to know outside of the event. Get their cards and follow-up with them. Strategic relationship networking works great for our limited resources of time and money.
Thank you for the post.
Sharan Tash
The Professional Networker