Fall is almost here. The kids in Northern Virginia go back to school next week. Some of you may be in areas where school has already started. What does this mean for networking? The excuse of “it’s slow in the summer” goes away, and the events will start to appear on calendars.

So it’s time to brush off those business cards and head back into active networking.

A question I get frequently is “how do I get rid of my new best friend?” You know who I am talking about. It’s the person at an event who decides listening to his or her life story is the best way for you to spend your time. But remember my post “You Just Never Know”? You want to be careful to get away without burning any potential bridges.

There are a couple of good options. If the person isn’t completely odious, you can always say something like, “It’s been really good talking to you. There’s someone over here you really must meet.” And then you take your friend to someone else, introduce each other and make a quick get-away.

But what if your new friend is completely odious? I suppose you could introduce him or her to the person at the event you like the least, but I don’t recommend it. That could burn two bridges at one event. You did want to come back, right? In this case, here’s an approach that usually works. “It’s been great talking to you. I don’t want to monopolize your time. I’ll let you mingle with the rest of the people.” And then you make your quick getaway. I’ve actually had that used on me. (Ooops. My bad for not following my own rules.) I didn’t take offense, and I got the hint and moved off. I’ve used it on others, and it’s always gotten me away.

So remember it the next time you need to get away at an event.