Networking That Works: Tips to Build Strong Connections
Strategic insights from accomplished professionals demonstrate how purposeful event attendance can spark both personal development and business transformation.
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Networking that works starts with one clear goal, a few real conversations and a follow-up within days. Here is how 23 industry professionals make event connections last.
Business events are modern marketplaces, where ideas, opportunities and people meet. We asked 23 industry professionals why they go and what they do once they leave.
Their answers go well beyond swapping business cards.
Their advice falls into four habits, summed up first.
What makes networking work: the short version
Habit
What it looks like
Why it works
Go in with a goal
One problem to solve or one kind of person to meet
You know which conversations to have
Choose depth over numbers
A few strong connections, not a stack of cards
Relationships grow from real conversations
Act on what you learn
Review notes and pick one thing to use
The event pays off in your work
Follow up within days
A personal message that references the conversation
People remember you while the event is fresh
Go in with a goal
Effective networking starts before you arrive. Decide what you want to learn or who you want to meet, then spend your time with the people and conversations that serve that goal.
If the goal is a new job, an online job fair puts you in front of hiring teams.
The reason I attend events is for career advancement. Events give me a chance to step out of the daily routine and engage with ideas and people that push me to grow.
Attending events is an essential part of my role at Byrna, and I approach every event intending to connect with people, share knowledge, and learn from others.
You don’t need to meet everyone in the room. So pick a few people, listen more than you talk and build strong relationships one conversation at a time.
Many people attend events determined to meet everyone in the room, but personally, I’d rather make a few strong connections than shake hands with every invitee.
When I meet people at events, I focus on being approachable and open. A good conversation can lead to discovering someone’s story, perspective, or expertise.
Whether you share a quick word over a cup of coffee or have a more in-depth conversation at a networking event, these opportunities can develop into solid connections that help you get ahead in your career.
Today, it’s all about video content, so I’ll often make a behind-the-scenes documentary style short while I’m there… It’s also a great way to break the ice, begin networking, and improve your public speaking.
Attendees can forget up to 70% of what they heard within a day, and the people they met fade as fast. So follow up within a few days, and make the message about the other person.
Typically, I prioritize follow-ups with meaningful contacts I have met because I see them as bridges between insight and impact.
A clear goal, a few real conversations and a follow-up within days. The professionals above rarely talk about how many people they met; they talk about what they did next.
How soon should you follow up after an event?
Within a day or two, while the conversation is fresh. Mention something specific you discussed, or a project of theirs, so the follow-up reads as a personal message from someone they want to know.
How can event organizers help people network?
Give networking a shape and a question. Hosted tables, timed rounds and introductions with a reason attached help people connect, and our guides to audience engagement strategies and interactive event experiences cover more ways to do it.
Plan an event where networking works
We & Goliath works across every format, from virtual to hybrid to in-person, and we plan networking into the program. Online, that can mean Airmeet’s Social Lounge, Speed Networking or Fluid Space, each with a prompt; in a room, it means hosted tables and introductions with a reason.
Our SMART Event Method™ starts with strategy, so the connections your attendees make tie back to your event goals. Book a strategy session to get started.
We & Goliath is an award-winning, top 100 worldwide event agency known for increasing conference attendance by 7X and profits by 3X through beautifully designed virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. Since 1999, their team of innovative strategists and creative designers has worked with global enterprises, SMBs, non-profits, and other organizations to engage audiences and exceed expectations.
