No Shows And Missed Meetings

Now I know life gets in the way and we can't always allow for the unexpected.

It's frustrating when people take the time and effort to book, register or sign-up for sessions, seminars and workshops and just don't turn up. Whether it's free or they've paid upfront.

You're left wondering what happened. How long to wait before you give up or go and do something else.

What is it? Disorganisation, poor planning or over commitment?

What would make you miss an appointment, you've committed to, whether it was intentional or not?

When you make arrangements to meet someone or be somewhere - other people have made time in their day for you.

If you need to change your plans, let them know at the first and earliest opportunity. People will understand, sometimes it's unavoidable or you have a genuine reason for not showing up or missing a meeting.

Be honest. Respect their time so they can make other arrangements, change bookings, make adjustments or have time to do something else.

There's no excuse for not turning up and not letting someone know?

Do you find you're always saying yes to things and then for whatever reason you're not able to attend or have to let people down at the last minute? Or perhaps you simply forget because it's not written down or you just have too much on. It happens.

Be more realistic with your time. Plan ahead. Don't say "yes" or agree to a meeting when what you actually mean is "probably not". Better to make a tentative arrangement and confirm nearer the time than over commit or double book.

Don't get a reputation for being dis-organised or unreliable.

Four Simple Steps For Effective Feedback

Feedback is an important way for leaders to communicate and manage their teams.

Feedback can be positive and 'constructive' (rather than negative).

It's important to give both types of feedback, rather than just always giving one (usually constructive).

Avoid linking the two – giving with one hand and taking away with the other.

How To Deliver Effective Feedback

Be timely. Give feedback as soon as possible otherwise the relevance and effectiveness is lost.

Be aware of your body language, tone and words. Avoid using confrontational words or tone if you have more challenging behaviour or performance to discuss.

Be direct, open and honest. Consider their frame of reference – it may be different from yours, which may affect the message they hear. What are their values, attitudes and experiences?

Four Steps For Effective Feedback

1. Be specific. What are the facts as you see them? Describe the specific actions and behaviours you observed. What specifically was said or done?

2. Your thoughts. What impact has their action had on other people, the business or in general? What are your thoughts, opinions or conclusions as a result of the action? Remember they are your thoughts so state this – “I think that …”. Link what you observed to what you thought.

3. Your feelings. How do you feel about the situation (NOT about the individual) – frustrated, disappointed, pleased – “I feel…” not “You made me feel …”

4. The outcome. What is the result or outcome you want? What do you want them to change, improve, stop or continue? Be clear about what you want so they understand what they need to change or keep doing.

Once you have delivered the feedback, allow them to respond, especially with constructive feedback. Have they fully understood? Actively listen to what they say.

It's often more difficult to deliver constructive feedback but both forms need to be effective.

Plan your feedback

What is the reason for giving feedback - a job well done, an opportunity for improvement, a lesson to be learned.

When and where will you give it? It may take only a few seconds or a few minutes but the time and place needs to be appropriate. A brief thank you or a planned meeting.

If you need additional information on providing feedback or you want to discuss a specific situation you're facing - Get In Touch.

Make your voicemail messages more meaningful

How to make your messages more meaningful and improve communication.

When you make a call and get voicemail - don't just leave a garbled message as you rapidly try to think of something to say.

Be prepared.

Speak slowly and clearly.  If you leave a number repeat it.  It's often difficult to write down a number in one go, especially if the caller rapidly rattles off their number.  Repeating it gives them a better chance of getting it right first time.

State the nature of your call - if appropriate.  What are you calling about, what information do you need?

Say when you're available or when it's a good time to call back.  People will often leave a message just as they're going out - usually as a last minute, 'oops must do this before I leave'.  When the call is returned the person isn't there and you end up playing phone-tag.

If you're going to be away from the phone or are busy - say so in your message and say when you'll be back, so they don't waste their time or yours.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Power of Teams

Every year I'm in awe of the Teams taking part in the Tour de France and now the Tour of Britain.

I only started watching it a few years ago and at the beginning didn't understand what on earth was going on.

The riders work as a well oiled machine - working together to get their man to the front at just the right moment - whether it's the sprinter, the hill climber or the leader hoping for the yellow jersey.

Using slip streaming to save energy and taking turns at the front of the 'train'.  Dropping back as a team to bring a key team member to the front who's fallen behind.  Making sure the leaders are fed and watered along the whole route.  Looking out for everyone else - it's not one rider, one race.

How they have the strength, determination and sheer guts to ride over 150km, often up hill and still have the energy to sprint to the line is impressive.

It takes hours of training and miles and miles in the saddle but just goes to show what the human body is capable of when you focus on the end goal.

English: Tour of Britain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Why sprinters are muscly and climbers are wiry
• Wiggins in Tour of Britain defence

Bartering Your Services

Be wary of requests to trade or barter your services.  While it can seem like a good way to get goods or services without spending cash - think carefully.

- Is it really something you want or is useful for you and your business?

- Would you be prepared to pay for it anyway?  There's no point in trading for a product or service you'll never use or don't want.

- Make sure it's a like for like trade and of equal value.

- Be very clear about exactly what they're getting.

People take liberties when they think they're getting something for 'free' and will often push for more.

Make it clear this is a one-off or only applies to this transaction.  Any further work is a separate transaction and requires full payment.  If you've already given away or traded your services once - they may well expect a discount for anything else.

Does the person offering the trade actually value what you do or are they just after a freebie?  If they can't afford you normally, they won't value what you do and are more likely to end up being difficult to work with, quibble over price and ask for more.

One of the businesses I'm working with recently fell foul of this.  They agreed to a trade of equal value.

• What they got wasn't actually worth it for their business.

• What they offered was accepted and agreed. But the additional work they took on was changed several times and last minute changes and additions were even made on the day.

Needless to say a discount was also 'assumed' and they were left chasing payment.  Fortunately they've now been paid for most of the work but are still waiting for payment for the additional work completed on the day.

P.S. Be aware of the tax implications of bartering your services.

'Maori bartering a crayfish' (Photo credit: The British Library)

Yes, No or Maybe

When you say Yes - do you actually mean it?

Quite often someone will say they'll do something when actually they won't.

It's not through malice, it's usually because they haven't thought ahead.

When they say "I'll call you later/this afternoon/tomorrow" - actually they already have plans for 'later' or they're not going to be in a position to make the call, when perhaps they thought they would.

You end up disappointed when they don't turn up or don't call when they said they would - you feel let down.

They may feel guilty that they let you down or they simply forget because they're already busy.

Perhaps you're the person who says "yes", when actually you mean "no".

Before you say "yes" or agree to do something, be somewhere or take something on - think about it first.  You're setting an expectation that you will do it or turn up.

Do you actually have the time and resources to complete what you've agreed to do?  Will you be able to do it at the time and place you say?

Better to say "no" or confirm later once you know what you're agreeing or committing to and you've checked that you do have the time and resources.  Yes, I'd love to do that/like to help/I'll call you later ... but I just need to check my diary.

Better to say "no" than disappoint at a later date when you're expected to do something or be somewhere.

At least call or let them know as soon as you realise you're not able to do what you've said 'yes' to.

Need help being more organised - get in touch.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Networking Tip: #37 What NOT to do (part 2)

In the last week I've had two very clear examples of how NOT to network.

Example 1: You accept a connection invite from someone online because they look interesting, they're in your target group, you know some of the same people, there's an element of shared interest ...

The very next communication you receive is a cut and paste 'sales pitch'.

It's impersonal - they haven't taken the time to actually read my profile to check if I might even vaguely be interested or it's relevant - although invariably, they say they have.

It's unsolicited - I didn't ask for it or even express an interest, I was just giving the online equivalent of a hello and a handshake.

Irrelevant - I'm not actually interested in what they have to offer and it's certainly not relevant to me at this time.

On this occasion, I politely responded back to them.

Their response (within minutes) was more of them same but along the lines of "well, you might not be interested but you might be at a point in the future and please make sure you recommend me to your friends or colleagues".

Well, they missed the point completely - and I don't do this very often, but I quickly hit 'disconnect'.

I will only recommend someone I know, like and trust and quite often, have actually used myself or at least heard good things about.

Example 2:  Attending a business event and supporting one of the exhibitors, I was approached by a visitor, who, rather than express an interest in what we were offering - launched straight in to their sales pitch.  How could they sell their product/service to all of our customers, clients?  Even though we didn't know anything about it or them!?

I heard the same story from other exhibitors on other stands who had suffered the same treatment, although from different people but with the same 'in your face' approach.

Woah! Back off!  What would make me even consider allowing you anywhere near my clients with such a heavy-handed, sales tactic.

This is the business equivalent of proposing on the first date.  In fact we've only just said 'hello' - you haven't even bought me a coffee yet!

Have you experienced this 'sales technique' and did it work?

Related articles

• Do You Have a Repellent Pitch? (pitchinggreatness.wordpress.com)
• Networking Tip No 16 How Not to network (blog post)

How to say 'no' to your boss

I had another discussion today where the person was asking about how they handled a boss who is overloading them with work.

Yes, you're there to do a job and your boss - director, manager, team leader is the person who organises and manages your workload.

That doesn't mean you have to accept everything they give to you.  Especially if they're overloading you with work or being unreasonable.

Communicate - they may not realise how much you're already doing - unless you tell them.

Prioritise your workload - so you know which tasks are important and when they need to be completed.  If you're not sure or you haven't been given clear guidelines - ask.

If you just keep accepting work and adding to your workload, you're likely to end up working longer hours, not working as well as you could, stressed out and exhausted.

Plan and organise your work - so you know what you have to do, when you're going to do it and how long it's likely to take. Create a list with all your tasks, priority, who it's for, when it's needed, time estimate and progress.

If it's 4pm on a Friday afternoon and your boss asks you to do something before the end of the day - is that a reasonable expectation? What impact does it have on your other tasks.

Be clear with your boundaries.  If you plan to finish at 5pm and you don't have time for this additional task - say so.  Reprioritise - what do you need to drop in order to get it done? Respect your time and others will respect you.

They may not actually be very good at delegating - managers sometimes have a habit of dumping last minutes tasks on other people because they haven't had time to do it themselves, they've forgotten, are disorganised or they're overloaded themselves.

Effective delegation - if you're given a task - make sure you know when (it needs to be done by), what (needs to be done), how(are you going to do it) and understand (how it fits in with your/your team's objectives).

If you find you're constantly juggling different priorities and more keep getting piled on - ask your boss to prioritise the work for you or get extra support.  Which piece is more important, what needs to be completed first?  Delegate some of your own work to free up more of your time.

Of course, if you're not using your time productively or need help to improve your planning and organising - get in touch or you can make a start by completing the free Time Audit.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Do I have to do everything around here?
• Who What Where When and How of Delegation
• 5 ways to cope when your boss gives you too much work! (detlcft.wordpress.com)

Out of the Office

When I send out my monthly newsletter, it's interesting to see the variety of 'Out of Office' messages that come back.

Some are more helpful than others.

They vary from the simple "I'm out of the office until (date)", to the more informative or more specific.

- If you need to contact me urgently here's my mobile number.
- I'm not available but here's another person to talk to.
- If you're calling about a specific topic, have a specific request - contact this alternate number.
- I will/won't be checking my emails while I'm away.
- I'll be checking my emails periodically and will get back to you as soon as possible.
- I'm away on business ...
- I'm out in client meetings all day ...
- I'm on holiday until ...

I've even received a very specific one - along the lines of:

"I'm out of the office until (date). I will be checking my email at (time), I will respond to your email if it's urgent the same day, otherwise I will reply by the following day.  If you need to talk to someone urgently, please contact (person + contact details)".

Out of Office auto-responses are useful for setting expectations - the sender knows you're away and when you're returning.  They also have an alternate contact if needed.

Remember to switch them off when you return - set a reminder in your scheduler.

Do you use them - what's on yours?

out of office (Photo credit: Victor Bezrukov)

You don't have to answer it

How often do you call someone on the phone whether on their landline or more often their mobile and having answered it, they then say they can't talk ... they're busy ... with someone ... in the middle of something?

I hear it quite often.

If that's the case, you don't have to answer the phone - especially if you're in a meeting or with someone.

Good meeting etiquette and showing respect to the person/people you're with is that you prioritise them over anything else - especially interruptions from a phone call.

Is the interruption more important that the person you're with or the task you're working on?  If it is - fine, go ahead and answer it but let them know.  If not, let it go through to voicemail and call them back when it's more convenient and you're free to talk.

If you're expecting an urgent call - say so.  Otherwise, remember to switch your phone off or put it on silent when you're with someone.

(Photo credit: plenty.r.)

Get Productive: Writing effective emails

Email is intended as a quick and efficient way of communicating – consider the following email etiquette guidelines when writing your emails to make them more effective.

• Be concise and to the point, don't waffle on for pages and pages.  Keep it to 2-3 screens of information - or put the information in an attachment.
• Use proper structure and layout - it makes it easier and quicker to read - lists, bullets, headings.
• Avoid overly long sentences – keep them to 15-20 words each.
• Keep paragraphs short - just 3-4 sentences each.
• Be careful with formatting - rich text and HTML messages aren't always readable - create text only versions too - especially for mobile users.
• Use a meaningful subject or change it if the discussion has moved on after a series of replies.  Makes it much easier to find a relevant email later.
• Use Subject Labels – ACTION REQUIRED, Information Only, Please Respond ... gives your reader an indication of the purpose of the email.
• Avoid excessive use of abbreviations and jargon - not everyone will understand what you're talking about.  If you need to use TLAs - explain what a Three Letter Acronym (TLA) is when you first use it then it's easier to recognise next time.
• Be clear and specific if something needs to be done and say when you want it done by.
• Use addressee fields appropriately:
• To: = addressee needs to action, respond
• Cc = for information only – no action/response required
• Bcc = avoid using unless for mass mailings or multiple addressees
• Include signatures on all external emails –this may be a standard part of your company's policy.
• Use the cc: field sparingly - only include people who really need to receive the information.
• Use templates for frequently used responses - saves time and effort and avoids having to retype the same information over and over.

Re-read your email before you hit send.  It can be easy to miss things if you just type and send.  Also if the topic is reactive, emotional or contentional it can be good to put it aside and come back to it.

Read it as the person who'll receive it - rather than the person who wrote it.  What's going on in your head may not have come out as you think.

 (Photo credit: avianto)

Related articles

• Get Productive: Email Do's and Don'ts (clareevans.blogspot.com)

Get Productive: Email Do's and Don'ts

We all know how much time email eats into our day - in fact it's been shown to take up to 40% of our time and it's often one of the most frequently discussed problems.

While it's difficult to avoid email, here are few ideas to create a more professional and efficient email process that can be applied to both small and large businesses.

• Is email the best and most appropriate means of communication?  Sometimes it's quicker and more effective to just pick up the phone.
• Only send it to the person who needs to read it.  Don't clog up someone's inbox if they don't need to see it.
• Answer all questions, and pre-empt further questions.  Avoids additional emails being sent back and forth.
• Use proper spelling, grammar and punctuation.  This should apply to any form of communication.
• Make it personal - "Dear Sir/Madam" is so formal.
• Don’t attach unnecessary files.  Large files can clog up an email system - especially when they get sent to multiple addressees.  Think about using Google Drive or Dropbox for file sharing.
• Don’t write in CAPITALS - that's seen as shouting in the online world.
• Don't leave out the message thread - especially if it relates to what you're discussing.
• Read the email before you send it - we all mistype and skip words - check it through.
• Don’t overuse Reply to All - does everyone really need to see your reply.
• Don’t request delivery and read receipts - have their uses but may also be switched off anyway by the recipient.
• Avoid excessive use of the high priority option, URGENT and IMPORTANT (unless it is!)
• Don’t use email for confidential or sensitive information.
• Avoid email ping-pong – pick up the phone instead. 

Look out for more info and tips for a more effective and organised Inbox.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Serial multitaskers - worse than they think

Today an article appeared in the Telegraph about the impact multi-tasking has and the fact that it's actually not as effective as we might think.

Or at least those who think they're great at multi-tasking are likely to be the worst.

It also relates to another news item I saw recently about accident prone texters - oblivious to the world around them - who fall down stairs, walk in to lamp posts, fall down holes, trip over pavements and even walk into oncoming traffic - all while texting or using their mobile phones.

Just goes to show that some people can't walk and talk at the same time - let alone do anything more complex like driving.

Fortunately most of these incidents only result in appearing foolish or a slight dent to one's pride as you pick yourself up from the floor, rather than serious injury.

In reality it's better to focus on doing one thing at a time and doing it well rather than trying to do two or more things and doing none of them well.  According to recent estimates you could actually be reducing your productivity by trying to multi-task.

When we 'multi-task' we're rarely doing two things at exactly the same time unless one of those things is automatic and we don't need to expend any brain energy on doing it or we're using different parts of our brain.

What's actually happening is you're switching quickly between one task and another - writing an email while talking on the phone - reading a report while sending a text ...

• If you multi-task it will take you longer to complete both tasks than if you just did one at a time.

• Focus on doing what's important rather than trying to do everything.

• Try batch-processing tasks - group similar tasks together and set aside time to do them e.g. email, phone calls.

• Set aside time in the day for specific tasks and avoid the temptation to 'multi-task' or get distracted in that time.

How often do you multi-task during the day and how does it affect your productivity and efficiency?


Related articles:

Serial-multitaskers 'worse at multitasking' (telegraph.co.uk)
The Myth of multi-tasking (blog post)

(Photo credits: www.smartsign.com)

Networking Tips #36 Does it work?

I often get asked what I get from networking or if it really works.

If you've read through the rest of the series of networking tips then you'll already know the answer.

Yet I still meet people at networking events who expect to come along to a meeting and gain business - instantly!  Not surprisingly - they probably won't return when they're disappointed.

Yes it does work but like anything - you get out of it what you put in.  The more active and engaged you are, the more you'll achieve.

It's all about sowing seeds and growing relationships - keep them fed and watered to see them grow and bear fruit.

I've connected with people and businesses that have provided my business with products and services as well as those who have become clients.

Put in a little time and effort (in a measured and balanced way) and you may be pleasantly surprised.

What are your experiences of networking?

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When two heads are better than one

I had a conversation the other day with a client who had a tricky problem they'd been thinking about for a while but were stuck with what to do or how to move forward.

However, in a few minutes and after asking a few relevant and thought provoking questions, it's possible to clear a way through and find a solution to move forward.

This is something I see happening over and over again. As we become busier and more overloaded with information, it's useful to have support and advice when you're making decisions around your business or your personal life.
 
Read the full article: 'When two heads are better than one' in November's newsletter - here.

Each month's newsletter gives you tips, information and resources to help grow your business and improve your work life balance - direct to your inbox.

You can get the latest issue and a Free Report - "7 Essential Time Tips" by entering your details in the box on the right.

How to manage those last minute deadlines

Do you sometimes feel that your time management would be great – if only it wasn’t for everyone else?

You’re working on improving your own productivity, you’ve changed some of your own bad habits but other people around you are still making demands on your time and it’s not helping.

They still come up with the last minute demands, they’re still piling on the pressure and the workload.

So how can you manage other people’s lack of planning and organisation when you’re now managing your time better?

Be clear about your boundaries – don't allow people to call you when you're not working or expect you to instantly respond to emails.  How often do you get called late at night or at weekends when either there's not a lot you can do or you feel compelled to fix the problem or respond to their needs?

Know when to say no - if you keep saying 'yes', they'll keep doing what they're doing.  However, if you say 'no' and explain your reasons you may be able to stop some of those last minute demands.  Yes, you want to be responsive and offer great service to your clients but you need to draw the line somewhere.

Manage their expectations - get clear from the beginning about what your working hours are, when you're available, lead times, the consequences of last minute deadlines.  Charge a premium for out of hours work or last minute rushes - especially if they're persistent offenders.

An emergency on their part doesn't necessarily constitute an emergency on your part!

Helping your clients and colleagues to work better will help you too.  You could always suggest they get in touch with me.

For more ideas on tackling productivity issues in your business - drop me an email.

Photo credit: Clock by deux-chi, on Flickr

Networking Tips #32 But I don't know anyone

Many people are put off going to networking meetings because they won't know anyone.

Well, we all felt like that once and you can overcome that initial nervousness with a few simple tips.

Arrive early - it's easier to meet and talk to people as they arrive - rather than enter a room full of people who are already talking.

Approach someone who is on their own.  They're not already engaged in conversation, possibly feeling nervous too, so will welcome your approach.

Watch the body language.  Two people standing directly opposite each other, engaged in conversation are less likely to be open to an interruption.  If they're standing at a slight angle to each other, it's easier to engage them in conversation.

Three is better than two.  For the above reason it's easier to approach and join a group of people than to join a group of two.

Make eye contact and smile.  You might be feeling nervous but don't look at the floor and hope no one will come and talk to you.  That's why you're there.  If you make eye contact with someone and smile they're more likely to approach you or welcome you in to their group.

Go with a friend, guest or colleague - that way you won't feel you don't know anyone - just don't spend all your time chatting to the one person you know!

If you're a regular networker, welcome new people, someone standing on their own or looking uncertain to join you.

"A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet."

Talk (Photo credit: lovelornpoets)

Related articles

• Networking Tip #31 Be Selective 
• Networking Tip #29 Speed Networking 
• Networking Tip #25 Meet Up

How to get to the top of your game

The Olympic games are due to start in under two weeks. Years of hard work, determination, planning and preparation will culminate in athletes at the peak of their performance competing for those gold medals.

It takes years of focus, dedication and commitment to get them to this point. Their reward is standing on the podium, as well as the financial benefits.

Although I only have a passing interest in sport as such and only tend to watch the big events, I can appreciate the dedication and commitment they make to get them to the top of their game and it's impressive to see.

Not only do these people have great talent and a passion for their sport, that has been nurtured from an early age but they also have the support, motivation and accountability of the team around them, including their coaches, to enable them to achieve their full potential and they've put in the hours to get them where they want to be ...

Read the full article: 'How to get to the top of your game' in this month's newsletter - here.

Each month's newsletter gives you tips, information and resources to help grow your business and improve your work life balance - direct to your inbox.

You can get the latest issue and a Free Report - "7 Essential Time Tips" by entering your details in the box on the right.

  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Networking Tips #30 Make It Easy To Get In Touch

I'm often surprised by how difficult people make it for you to get in touch.  You meet someone at a networking event and then you return to the office you want to keep in touch or connect with them online but you can't track them down.

Perhaps you only had a list of attendees or their business card had limited information, so you try to track them down via Google or on Linked In or Twitter.

Some people just don't want to be found.  They've hidden their email address on LinkedIn, so you can't email them that way and if they've restricted access to their LinkedIn profile, you'll need an email address in order to connect with them.  They don't have a profile photo, so you can't find them that way.

You may track down their website but many times it doesn't have either an email address or a name, so you're not sure if you've got the right person.

Make it easy for people to contact and connect with you - after all if you have an online presence, whether through your website or a social media profile you presumably want to found that way.

You'll find me on LinkedIn and Twitter, Like my page on Facebook or you can contact me directly or use the form on my website.  Why not book an initial chat with me via Tungle.me.

Networking Tip: #29 Speed Networking

Time me (Photo credit: mrlins)

Love it or hate it - speed networking is a great way of meeting a large number of people in a short period of time.

Some people dislike it because of the speed at which you connect with people without having a chance to really have a conversation.

The purpose of attending a speed networking event is that you get to talk to EVERYONE in the room and not just the half a dozen people you manage to connect with at a normal networking event.  For this reason, they're popular.

It's noisy, it's frantic but it can be fun and don't forget that it's only the initial connection that you're making.  It's then your chance to follow-up after the event and really get the conversation going.

The same criteria apply to your reasons for attending other networking meetings.  Are they the right people for you to meet.

Some speed networking events operate a closed policy in that only one person from each industry is represented.  That way you won't meet five accountants, six printers etc.

There are different ways of running the event and the host needs to be skilled in moving people around the room in a timely manner so that it works smoothly.

They tend to work in two main ways:

Speed Networking 5 (Photo credit: MadPole)

Method 1 - you're seated or standing opposite a room of attendees.  You have one or two minutes to deliver your 'pitch' - the other person then has their one or two minutes and then you move on the next person.  Repeating the process until everyone has 'met' everyone else.

Method 2 - you're seated in small groups around tables.  Only one person on each table speaks at any one time and circulates in an organised way (according to a complicated equation understood only by higher mathematicians and NASA), so that by the end, everyone has still presented to everyone else but the volume level is lower and you don't have to repeat yourself to the number of attendees.

With Method 1 - potentially dozens of people are talking at one time, it's noisy and can be confusing - who's turn is it to speak, how much time have you got, where do you go next.  Method 2 is less frantic and much more comfortable.

You're also likely to be slightly brain dead by the end of it.  Being bombarded by information from twenty to thirty strangers is confusing and overwhelming.  Here are a few tips for speed networking:

• Leave bags, coats at the side of the room - have the minimal amount to carry around - you'll be moving around a lot.
• Check how many people are going to be there and have enough business cards, leaflets etc. for everyone.  You don't want to run out.
• Have a bottle of water with you - you'll be doing a lot of talking (Method 1).
• Hone your one minute presentation - keep it clear and succinct.  If you can and you have time, ask a couple of questions.
• Take notes - you won't be able to remember half the people you've met by the time you've finished.  Write on their business card or notebook but remember you don't have much time and you need to be listening.
• Make a note of anyone you'd like to talk to again, as you go - you might be able to talk to them after the main session.

Remember to follow-up afterwards.