“Business networking is a socioeconomic activity by which groups of like-minded businesspeople recognize, create, or act upon business opportunities.” –Wikipedia. Well hello most boring quote in the world! Can’t you just imagine expressionless zombies in suits shaking hands over glasses of bourbon? We've been thinking a lot about networking lately, and we've determined this: networking is about so much more than Meeting People and Shaking Hands. (But no offense to bourbon. It’s delicious.)

Okay. So what is networking? And more importantly: how can we be good at it? Boiled down to its essence, networking is an opportunity to make connections. Here’s the catch: even if you’re incredibly outgoing, entering a room full of strangers is intimidating. At most networking events you’ll find people clumping together with coworkers, or making meaningful eye contact with their smartphones; when what we digitally-savvy, forward-thinking social creatures really want is to make connections. Everyone can get better at networking, and here is the good news – it’s totally possible!

As a curious social monkey and near-professional blog peruser, I have composed for you a list of tips and tricks to make your next networking experience the best ever. Find the ones that work for you, and test them out soon at one of Boston's many networking events! (The third installation of the raved-about 100 Beers Party is on Tuesday 3/20. See you there?)