Here's how you can stay present and engaged during networking opportunities.

Always be ready to interact with anyone whenever you get an opportunity, just don't wait for it rather grab it immediately. You may not know that your one step taken ahead may lead to various opportunities in future. Always have a curious mindset which will help you in engaging more with the people thus making your networking strong.

Start by setting a clear intention before you walk into the event. Remind yourself that your goal is to make genuine connections, not just to exchange business cards. When you meet someone, take a deep breath and focus on the person in front of you. Listen actively by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking open-ended questions that show your interest. It's also helpful to be mindful of your own body language; uncrossed arms and a relaxed posture can make you appear more approachable. If you find your mind wandering or anxiety creeping in, gently bring your attention back to the conversation. Try to remember, everyone is there for the same reason: to connect.

First, take a few deep breaths before entering the room to center yourself and reduce any anxiety. When you meet someone, focus on making genuine eye contact and truly listening to what they're saying, rather than planning your next response. Remember to be curious—ask open-ended questions about their experiences and interests. This not only keeps the conversation flowing but also helps you learn and find common ground. Lastly, don’t forget to be yourself. Authenticity is magnetic and makes interactions more memorable. Taking small breaks to recharge if you’re feeling overwhelmed is perfectly okay. Networking is about quality, not quantity, so focus on building a few strong connections rather than scattering your attention.

Being mindful of your words during networking involves several key practices. First, as always, listen mindfully to understand others before responding, showing genuine interest in their perspectives. When it's your turn to speak, focus on clarity and relevance, articulating your thoughts succinctly and effectively. Avoid dominating conversations as you should be mindful of others' presence, instead, encourage engaging dialogues where you can ask questions to deepen the discussion. Be mindful of your tone and body language, conveying positivity and openness. Lastly, prioritize building authentic connections over self-promotion, aiming to contribute value and establish meaningful relationships.

Having a beginner's mind allows us to see things from a fresh perspective and reach out to people with a curious view. We are not stuck in our pre-conceived ideas of what people are doing, how they should be doing things, etc. We can be there and be open to learning new things from each and every one we meet. We may be pleasantly surprised by new insights and ideas that would be helpful to our own work!

When we are mindful, we are also aware of when we are feeling overwhelmed and need to take a break from chatting with others in the event. A friend said that he often goes to "hide" in the restroom when he gets too stimulated during networking events. And then when he felt ready, he would come back out to re-engage with the crowd. I find that's a great practice to consider using for myself!