26 B. At the event

1. Approach: join groups of three (a pair is intimate; a five is closed); stand at the circle's edge, make eye contact, smile, listen first. 2. The two-ears-one-mouth rule: ask, listen, follow up — people remember good listeners, not good talkers. 3. Introduce others ("Advocate Rai, meet Ms. Thapa — she works on the same issue") — the most-valued networker is the connector. 4. Exit gracefully: "It's been a pleasure — may I have your card? I'd like to follow up on [the point about arbitration]. I see others I should greet." (never just walk away) 5. Etiquette: moderate food and drink; phone away; never criticise persons (gossip travels through the very network you are building); thank hosts before leaving.