As a product manager for a database server and client administration tool at IBM, Sophia Perl understands computer networks. But, she also understands the importance of networking for business, a career, and personal relationships. After an incident 10 years ago that introduced her to a lifelong acquaintance, she now looks at every meeting as an opportunity to network with somebody special. Perl shared her tips with w2wlink partner

When you think about a networking event, what do you envision? Perhaps a crowd milling around a hotel banquet room with cocktails in one hand and business cards in the other? In fact, there are many types of networking events, ranging from breakfast meetings with a dozen people, to speaker luncheons with 100 attendees, to black tie dinners with more than 1,000. Each can be a valuable experience if you make the most of the opportunity.

Attending events is only an effective use of your time and money if you do so with a plan. Ask yourself: What...