Dr. Ivan Misner is the founder and chairman of the business networking organization BNI.

When you step into a networking event, you'll notice clusters of two, three, four, or more people. As a stranger, you may feel that if you try to join any of the clusters, it will be intruding. It's an awkward moment, and they may not know quite what to do or where to start.

Leaders, the way your people are configured in groups during your events can tell your visitors a lot about how they will be received.