Soon it will be the season of networking events. But are these events worth all their hype? Absolutely. Employers are relying more and more on referrals from their employees to hire an individual. In this sluggish economy, making connections has never been more crucial.

So how do you actually make a connection at a networking event?

First, find the events: Watch for these events so you can prepare ahead of time. One great way to keep track of them is through Celarity’s Scoop Calendar at http://www.celarity.com/celarity-scoop/. This calendar provides the dates for most of the Twin Cities area’s marketing and advertising networking events. Another great reference is our own MWMC Events Calendar at http://www.mnwc.org/mwmcevents/calendarofevents. By the way, there are some great events on both calendars coming up in February.

Another great way to network, especially if you are a member of one of these organizations, is to volunteer for these events. Not only does this get you into the event, but it also establishes a connection with the active members of the group. (As an added perk, it gives you experience for your résumé.)

Next, find the people: Start following Twitter feeds of some of these professional organizations or the companies you would like to work for in order to learn what events they find valuable. If the company is talking about events on social media, chances are they will have representatives there.

Don’t just focus on connecting yourself. Before you attend an event, flip through your established contacts. Refresh your memory on whom you know, so you can connect them to one another, if the opportunity arises. Connecting people is definitely a way to get them hooked on you.

Remember to move outside your demographic and general profession. This will help you stay balanced in your professional aptitude.

Now, find the attitude: Be positive. Do something that lifts your spirits before you attend the event. Your good attitude will not go unnoticed and you will draw positive attention to yourself.

Do a little homework, so you can keep the professional topics flowing. You don’t have to have a speech prepared. Just glean a couple of tidbits. Perhaps you remember some good advice one of your contacts gave you at an informational interview. Share this good advice and impress your listener by using it as an opportunity to name drop.

One important thing to keep in mind is that when you attend a networking event, you can gain more than just the elusive trail that leads to a job. Fellowship with professionals in your field can be so much more. You can find out about current trends and gain tips on finding life and work balance, social media tools, classes, books or certifications to make you an even shaper candidate. If you keep this positive attitude when attending an event, it will help you feel less anxious about pumping everyone for a potential job lead.

But above all, be a good listener.

Finally, find time to follow up: So you have tucked away their business cards. Next, take a minute during or after the event to write a quick note (even on the back of the business card) to remind yourself why they would be good contacts to maintain. You can use Twitter and LinkedIn if you need to jog your memory. Sometimes, all you need is a photo to remind you of who they are.

Based on how good you feel about the connection, you can follow up by requesting to connect on LinkedIn or you can follow them on Twitter. Send your new contacts a link to an article they might find useful, or even request a lunch date.

Start gearing up for the professional networking season now, so that by the time you’ve packed your snazzy new business cards into your purse, you will have so much more to share with your new contacts. Remember, don’t give up making contacts even after you land a job. Keep your contacts fresh and use your established position to help others, keeping yourself a fresh and valuable connection.