What Successful People Do Differently At Networking Events
Let’s be honest, networking events can be a bit of a nightmare. You’re out of your comfort zone, trying to make small talk with people you’ve never met, unsure of who to approach or what to say. And there’s always the pressure of making a great first impression, especially if there are influential people in the room.
But it’s really not that difficult, especially if you know what you’re doing. The truth is, successful people approach networking in a very different way, and it doesn’t have anything to do with being naturally confident or extroverted. It’s about preparation, intention, and a few habits that help them stand out, in the best way possible.
By picking up these habits, you’ll walk into your next event feeling more confident, in control, and ready to make genuine connections.
Preparation Starts Before The Event
Successful people start preparing before the event begins, here’s a brief rundown on what you should do to emulate successful networkers;
Do Your Homework
The most effective networkers never turn up unprepared. If there’s a guest list available, or even a hint of who might be attending, they’ll take the time to look people up on LinkedIn or Facebook.
Knowing a little bit about someone before meeting them can help to spark a more meaningful conversation and make introductions far smoother.
Stay Up To Date
Having some knowledge on the latest news, trends, and even a bit of entertainment gossip gives you something to talk about beyond the usual “What do you do?”
It makes you a more engaging conversationalist and helps you connect with others on topics they care about.
Know Your Goal Going In
Wandering around an event aimlessly rarely leads to meaningful connections. Successful people go in with a plan, whether it’s to introduce themselves to a few key individuals, explore collaboration opportunities, or simply have five solid conversations.
A clear objective helps keep your networking focused and effective.
First Impressions Matter
Successful networkers always do the following and so should you;
Dress The Part
It sounds obvious, but it’s surprisingly easy to get wrong. Successful people always check the dress code. Whether it’s on the event page or with the organiser, and show up looking the part.
It’s a small detail, but it can have a big impact on how you feel and how others see you.
Arrive To The Event Early
Most people aim for arriving fashionably late, but arriving early is a real power move. You get to settle in, survey the room, and have a few relaxed conversations before the crowd builds.
It also signals confidence and gives you the best chance to connect with others as they arrive.
Use Body Language To Your Advantage
Your posture, eye contact, and facial expressions all play a huge role in how approachable you seem. A relaxed, open stance, genuine smile, and attentive posture can help you connect with others more easily.
Avoid folding your arms or looking around the room while someone is speaking to you, these subtle cues make a big difference.
Keep Your Head Clear
This is another part of a successful business networkers secret to success, you should always;
Skip The Alcohol
Sure, a drink might take the edge off, but it can also dull your focus. Successful networkers usually stick to soft drinks or have just one alcoholic beverage to stay sharp and in control of their conversations.
The Secret To Starting & Sustaining Great Conversations
It’s not just what you say, but how you say it and how well you listen to others. You need to;
Master The Art Of Small Talk
When it comes to approaching strangers, successful people don’t just wing it. Many follow a simple structure, to get a conversation flowing. They use practical ways to break the ice without feeling awkward or forced.
To find out more about what to say at a business event follow this link.
Be An Active Listener
If you’ve ever forgotten someone’s name seconds after hearing it, chances are you weren’t really listening. The best networkers stay present in the moment.
They’re not planning what to say next, they’re genuinely focused on the person in front of them, and it shows.
Ask Better Questions
Going beyond the typical “What do you do?” can make for more memorable exchanges. Try questions like, “What brought you to this event?” or “What projects are you most excited about right now?” These spark authentic conversations and show a genuine interest.
Know When To Move On (Graciously)
Not every chat will be a winner, and that’s fine. Successful people know how to exit a conversation without seeming rude. A simple, “Lovely speaking with you, I’m going to mingle a bit more,” does the job nicely.
It keeps things polite while freeing you up to meet more people without alienating a future potential contact.
Making A Lasting Impression
Successful networkers have mastered the art of being remembered for all the right reasons. You need to;
Know How To Talk About Yourself
Ever met someone who just got it right when introducing themselves? They probably weren’t improvising. Many successful people use techniques to talk about themselves in a confident but relatable way.
The AHEAD Technique
There is a technique that many successful business networkers use which is known as the AHEAD technique. Which stands for;
- Accomplishments (mention 1 or 2 of your best business wins)
- Hobbies (share something you enjoy doing not work related)
- Expertise (explain your main skills or specialist subject)
- Aspirations (mention goals your hoping to achieve)
- Differences (say what makes you different from others in your field)
You should practice your elevator pitch in advance and keep it short and to the point. It helps you stay memorable, and often has people asking for your card before you ask for theirs.
Be Authentic & Humble
Confidence doesn’t mean arrogance. The best conversations happen when you’re relaxed, being yourself, and showing genuine curiosity.
Successful people don’t feel the need to prove themselves, they’re authentic, humble, and comfortable giving credit to others.
Be Helpful
Want to stand out? Be helpful. If you can introduce someone to a useful contact or suggest an article that might benefit them, do it. Thoughtful gestures go a long way, and people remember those who go out of their way to help.
Don’t Forget To Laugh
A little humour, especially the self deprecating kind, can be a brilliant way to build rapport quickly. Joking about your diet, your fantasy football team, or the fact that you used to have the body of a footballer, now just the fantasy footballer can make you relatable and instantly more likeable.
After The Event
Networking doesn’t end once the event is over. The successful networker always does the following;
Follow Up (And Do It Well)
Networking isn’t over when you walk out the door. The most successful people follow up within 24 to 48 hours, with a short, friendly message referencing something from your chat. It might be an email, a LinkedIn connection, or even a DM. It’s a small act, but it solidifies the connection.
Have A Digital Business Card Ready
The world is going digital, and your contact details should too. Tools like HiHello or even a simple QR code linking to your LinkedIn profile make sharing information smooth and professional.
Engage On Social Media Before And After
If the event has a hashtag or some social buzz, get involved. Posting before the event helps you connect with others who’ll be there, and sharing reflections afterwards keeps your name on people’s radar.
A quick comment on someone’s post can turn into a valuable relationship.
How To Network Like A Pro
Chances are, you’re already doing a few of these things naturally. But now that you’ve got the full picture, you can be more deliberate, and confident, about how you network.
At the end of the day, fifteen seconds of courage and a few smart habits can be the difference between fast tracking your career and standing still. Show up prepared, stay present, and focus on connecting, not just collecting business cards. That’s what successful people do differently.
SEE ALSO: Is It Okay to Go to a Business Networking/Conference Alone?
Frequently Asked Questions
Before attending a networking event you should research who’s attending, brush up on industry news, and set a clear goal for what you’d like to achieve.
Authenticity, storytelling, a touch of humour, and being helpful all help to make a memorable impression.
You should ideally follow up within 24 to 48 hours of meeting someone at a business event. Keep your message short, reference your conversation, and suggest a next step if relevant.