Believe it or not, but gathering business cards is not the goal of networking; it’s building relationships. Networking is an essential skill in building business, but starting conversations with strangers is no small feat. Walk into a networking event with confidence and work the room effectively with these three secrets:

Practice a your handshake—A good handshake is essential in networking. As stated by Kathy Magliato, a world-famous heart surgeon, “You can tell the character of a person by their handshake.” Practice your handshake to master it. A handshake needs to be firm and confident.

Confidently state your name—Similar to your handshake, the way you state your name in a networking event can make or break a new acquaintance. Make sure your voice is strong and clear and state your full name, “Chloe Smith,” not just “Chloe.” Stating a full name exudes confidence and pride.

Be genuine—Last, but definitely not least, be empathetic, genuine and listen to what other people are saying. Remember, the goal is not getting a business card—it’s being remembered and building a relationship. You need to care and respond to other networkers’ thoughts.