Let’s be honest: Networking can feel like walking into a high school cafeteria all over again. You walk in, scan the room, and wonder where to sit without looking awkward. It doesn’t help that most of us think networking means schmoozing and handing out metal business cards like candy.
But networking isn’t about being the loudest person in the room or collecting the most contacts. It’s about building real, lasting relationships that help both you and the other person grow. When done right, networking can be a lot less stressful—and even (dare I say?) fun.
So how do you actually get to that point? Let’s break it down into tips that are easy to follow, even if networking isn’t your thing.
Why Networking Still Matters (And It’s Not Just About What You Get)
Networking is more than just a business strategy. It’s about learning from others, gaining new insights, and maybe even making a friend or two along the way. Whether you’re looking for advice, a new job opportunity, or someone to collaborate with, networking is your chance to connect with people who can help you grow professionally—and vice versa.
The secret? Networking is a give-and-take process. The most valuable connections come from genuinely helping each other. Whether that’s offering advice, sharing contacts, or just lending an ear, the best relationships are built on mutual support.
How to Get Prepped for Networking Events: 4 Essential Tips
Keep Your Elevator Pitch Short and Sweet
Everyone talks about the elevator pitch, but it doesn’t need to be a long, rehearsed speech. Keep it simple: “I work in project management, helping companies streamline operations” is way more effective than a monologue. When you’re ready to talk more, the conversation will naturally evolve.
Business Cards Are Your Best Friend
You don’t want to run out of business cards when you’re in the middle of a great conversation. Make sure you have more than enough, and consider going for something that stands out, like a sleek design or even metal cards. Trust me, people remember the cool cards.
Bring a Networking Buddy
Feeling nervous about going alone? No problem—bring a friend! Tag-teaming the event with someone can make the experience more fun and help take the pressure off. Plus, you can introduce each other to new contacts, making the whole thing less stressful.
Plan, But Don’t Overthink It
It’s helpful to have a few goals going into the event, like connecting with three new people or finding a specific type of contact. But don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. Flexibility is key. The more relaxed you are, the better the conversations will flow.
How to Thrive During the Event: 6 Networking Tips
Take a Deep Breath
It’s normal to feel nervous before walking into a networking event, but take a moment to collect yourself. Remind yourself that everyone else is there for the same reason—to meet people. Breathe in, smile, and walk in with confidence.
It’s All About Quality
You don’t need to talk to 20 people to be successful. Focus on having a few great conversations rather than shaking as many hands as possible. Making just one strong connection can be way more valuable than collecting a stack of business cards from people you won’t remember.
Don’t Skip the Small Talk
Small talk gets a bad rap, but it’s the easiest way to ease into a conversation. Start with something light like the event itself or a recent headline. Don’t rush to get into deep conversations—let the flow happen naturally.
Get Curious
One of the easiest ways to build a connection is to ask questions that show you’re genuinely interested. Instead of just asking, “What do you do?”, ask what excites them most about their work. It’ll lead to a more interesting, personal conversation.
Stay Authentic
People can spot a fake pitch from a mile away. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Instead, focus on being your authentic self. People respond better to someone who is being real and genuine rather than someone who seems to be working an agenda.
Find the People Who Look Lost
If you’re nervous about joining a group, look for people who are standing alone or seem a bit out of place. Chances are, they’re feeling just as awkward as you, and you’ll both appreciate the company.
How to Follow Up After a Networking Event
Send a Thoughtful Message
When following up, skip the generic “Nice meeting you” message. Instead, reference something specific from your conversation to help jog their memory. Whether it’s a shared interest or a topic you discussed, making it personal goes a long way.
Stay Consistent
Building a network doesn’t stop after the event. Make an effort to keep in touch with the people you connected with. Send a helpful article, schedule a coffee chat, or check in from time to time. Leave them something to remember you by, like a Metal Kard. Relationships need nurturing to grow into something meaningful.
