When I won my first speed networking deal, I was excited and smiled so hard, my cheeks hurt! Speed networking is the one thing I've experienced more pain than anyone else, so I'm going to tell you how to avoid my mistakes.

Upon entering a room full of people you have never met before, you may feel anxious and unsocial on the day of the event.

We tend to talk to people we already know by default. The first person you approach in a crowd is often a familiar face. While it's fine to build existing relationships, how will you grow your network if you don't even talk to anyone else? It would be very difficult, almost impossible for you to grow your network, if you don't interact with anyone else. You can build existing relationships if you don't talk to anyone else, but how are you supposed to grow your network if you never talk to anybody else?

When I first heard about speed networking, I had no idea how much of an impact it would have on me. Once I learned about speed networking, I felt like I had found my calling. I really enjoyed the way it engaged me. Hence, I was able to become familiar with the subject matter easily.

Moreover, if you are too polite to end a conversation, you might end up taking the time to listen to the story of the wrong business connection because you have summoned the courage to talk to someone new.

It's a cost-effective and a valuable way to grow your network, discover new business opportunities, meet potential business partners and clients and tap into trusted service providers.