We all intend to network when we go to a workshop or conference. I collect business cards and even send a LinkedIn invitation when I get home. But how many of us really make it a practice to stay connected with the people we meet? 

We need to consider networking—building relationships so that we can help and learn from one another—as a way of life. It is a critical skill for so much of what we do, and I don't think we even realize it. Networking doesn't have to be difficult or forced; it can be natural and pleasant. Here are some reasons why I network: 

• gain new information 

• gain new connections 

• broaden my horizons 

• enrich my life 

• find an answer to a question or problem 

• get other people’s viewpoints 

• discover new friends 

• find out more about a target company 

• career development 

• learning and growing. 

Are you attending the ATD 2016 International Conference & Exposition in Denver? If so, you will have a great opportunity to connect with people in learning and development from around the world. Here’s how you can prepare to make and maintain these connections:  

• Come with a mindset that you are there to network and make quality connections. 

• Bring business cards or networking cards so that you can exchange information with others. 

• Think about topics you want to learn about at ATD 2016 so you can target those sessions and people.  

• Think about organizations whose learning and development practices you want to learn more about so you can target meeting people who work there. 

I’ll share more ideas and tools during my conference session, Turning Your Conference Contacts Into Long-Term Networking Relationships, on Sunday, May 22, at 11:45 a.m. I hope to see you there.