What Are the Best Strategies for Face-to-Face Networking Events?
In a world increasingly dominated by digital interactions, the value of face-to-face networking events remains unmatched. Whether you’re an extrovert who thrives in social settings or an introvert looking to make meaningful connections, in-person networking can open doors in ways that virtual interactions simply can’t. But mastering the art of face-to-face networking requires more than just showing up—it demands strategy, intention, and a bit of finesse.
To help you navigate these opportunities, we’ve turned to seasoned networking experts, from CHROs to CEOs, to share their best strategies. Whether it’s leveraging introversion as a strength or ensuring your first impression leads to lasting relationships, these fourteen expert insights will equip you with the tools you need to make your next networking event a resounding success.
- Leverage Introversion in Networking
- Initiate as a Helper
- View Networking as Professional Flirting
- Make Others Comfortable First
- Connect Without Expectations
- Plan Your Networking Approach
- Create Impactful Networking Events
- Be Intentional and Memorable
- Employ Three Key Networking Strategies
- Focus on Meaningful Connections
- Remember to Be Helpful
- Make an Impression with Trust
- Prepare and Plan for Networking
- First Impressions and Follow-Ups
Leverage Introversion in Networking
Introverts can excel at face-to-face networking by leveraging their inquisitive nature and solution-oriented approach. Keeping true to themselves and focusing on the quality of conversation instead of the quantity of contacts collected will make the time spent more meaningful and effective.
You can accomplish this by shifting your focus to other people’s needs. A practical way to implement this theory is to make networking a goal-oriented game. For example, if attending an hour-long networking event, commit to talking with five people long enough to play the following three roles:
- Reporter: Don’t just ask what they do; express interest by digging for details such as why they entered the profession, why it’s important to them, or simply why they came to the event.
- Connector: Find out if they require specific help: an introduction, a job lead, or a low-cost computer whiz who can help them with their website. The need doesn’t matter as much as your willingness to ask. You may be unable to help on the spot, but sometimes you can. In those cases, do so, and you’ll earn a new fan.
- Escape Artist: Briefly mention what you do and why you attended the event. As a way of closing, express a desire to continue the conversation or wish them well, then allow the individual to network with others. If they can help you, they’ll say so. If not, they’ll appreciate the tactful exit and feel good about the encounter.
This technique helps you avoid the feeling of “cheapness” that can sometimes come with networking. Best of all, by focusing on the other person, you leave each wanting more, which can lead to a more meaningful, mutually beneficial follow-up.
Tim Toterhi, CHRO, Plotline Leadership
Initiate as a Helper
Think of yourself as a helper, first. Sure, you’re probably going to a networking event because you’re looking for connections to help yourself. But it can be tough to start those conversations! Instead, start a conversation by introducing yourself and asking the person why they came to the event, and who they’re hoping to connect with. Don’t worry about it matching your own needs. Figure out who they’re searching for, and as you connect with more attendees, make any introductions that you discover.
Offering to help is a much easier way to start a conversation. And the odds are that you’ll bump into someone who can help you. Or that someone you helped will reciprocate the favor and introduce you to someone they know.
Pat Fligge, Director of Temple Professional Network, Temple University
View Networking as Professional Flirting
Take the pressure off for these events by viewing it as professional flirting. Be curious, find a connection, spark them with something different, and don’t overstay your welcome. After a brief conversation, say to the person, “I’m sure there are other people here who would like to connect with you, so would it be okay if I followed up and we find another time to speak further?”
By using this type of language, it demonstrates that you respect them and understand their value, as well as giving you an opening to get their contact information to schedule another conversation. And this gives you a chance to do your research on them, their career, and their employer so that your next conversation has more depth and opportunity to build a real relationship.
Denise Fowler, Founder and Career Coach, Career Happiness Coaching
Make Others Comfortable First
I usually break the ice at face-to-face networking events by trying to make the other person comfortable. “Do you find these things as awkward as I do?” is a great question for doing that. It takes the pressure off them and off you.
Networking gets a lot easier once you realize that it’s not about you; it’s about the person you’re talking to. The secret of effective networking is that it’s all about asking questions and finding out about the other person.
Most people:
- Talk too much.
- Listen too little.
- Ask for help much too soon.
As I said, networking is not about you. It’s about finding out about the other person, perhaps even what you can do for them. In other words, it’s about building some sort of relationship, even if it’s a quick and very short-term relationship, before asking for any kind of help. Without that relationship, you’re not networking; you’re cold calling, and there’s no more reason for that person to help you than any other stranger they might come across on the street.
Barry Maher, Principal, Barry Maher & Associates
Connect Without Expectations
Approaching networking with the mindset of connecting with people is key. I’ve attended so many networking events where someone approached me and immediately asked for my credentials, trying to see if I would be of some benefit to them. This strategy feels so icky when you’re on the receiving end.
Instead, I tend to approach networking by just getting to know the person I am talking to, without expectation. I have found that building that personal connection before talking about anything business-related can be so valuable.
Megan Gersch, Owner + CEO, Megan Gersch
Plan Your Networking Approach
I’ve found one of the best strategies for face-to-face networking events is to create a plan in advance. Start by identifying event/organization leaders and be prepared to introduce yourself and make a request for introductions to attendees who would most benefit from the connection. If possible, review and study the attendee list in advance to be able to identify (by face) and engage potential partners, clients, etc.
I’ve found it helpful to prepare an opening question like “What is your story?” as it gives the recipient an opportunity to frame up why they are attending and what they hope to get from attending. It’s also important to understand how you can help them.
Lastly, have your “elevator pitch” dialed in, so those you speak with quickly understand who you are, why they benefit from knowing you, and how they can help.
Kent Lewis, Founder, pdxMindShare
Create Impactful Networking Events
A few years back, I attended a networking event in a city museum. The venue was spectacular, but I was disappointed that the actual event was held in a soulless room hidden away at the back, with no scope for the attendees to even see the exhibits. I realized then that networking events had long become staid, and that other business leaders felt as uninspired by them as I did.
As a result of this, I’ve worked to mix up my business meetings and other events. Most recently, we hired out a local museum and created our own “treasure hunt” networking event that played out like a game show. By grouping our guests in teams and offering a grand prize to those that could answer the riddles, the event sprang to life immediately. Competitive spirits were ignited, genuine connections were formed, and everybody suddenly had something to talk about after the competition ended.
The event was a huge hit among the attendees, and we made such fantastic connections from the last event, that we’re now rolling out similar events in other cities across the country. In an era in which we’re never far from our phones or streaming subscriptions, people expect to be entertained. Simply booking a lunch at a fancy restaurant doesn’t always cut it now. With so much competition in almost every sector, you need to ensure that any encounter you have with other business leaders creates an impact and leaves a lasting impression.
Rick Smith, Managing Director, Forbes Burton
Be Intentional and Memorable
Networking is about building meaningful relationships that foster growth and opportunity. When you enter a networking event, be clear on who you want to meet and intentional with your time. Dive into conversations, but know when to move on. Without a plan, you might miss key connections or spend too long in conversations that don’t advance your goals.
Aim to meet at least five new people, giving each about 10 minutes of genuine, focused conversation. Share your story with confidence, leaving a memorable impression—and always follow up afterward. A strong next step solidifies the connection to keep you in mind for future opportunities.
Karen Kunkel Young, Executive Career Coach for Creative Leaders, Karen Kunkel Young Coaching
Employ Three Key Networking Strategies
Most people fear public speaking but absolutely hate networking. The reason? No one likes to be treated as a number or as a sales pitch. But here are three key strategies to be aware of that can turn the tide into making face-to-face networking work for you.
Arrive early. When you are one of the first to show up at an event, you can really make an impression on the organizer. Organizers are usually well-connected and are often taking care of a few last-minute items before everyone shows up. Go out of your way to assist in any way. They would love the help, and may be much more willing to assist you with introducing you to others at the event. Plus, when you arrive early, you can also find the best parking spot, have first choice of appetizers, and most importantly, can be seen, and possibly meet, most of the attendees as they trickle in.
A second key networking strategy for face-to-face networking events is to listen. Don’t be the loudest or longest-winded person in the room. Let others talk, interject when necessary to show you’re paying attention as one would in a relationship, then bring the conversation back to something they said. People like to be heard. And people like to be around others who don’t do all the talking. Remember the two-ears, one-mouth principle. We should all be listening twice as much as we talk!
A third strategic networking strategy is to ask open-ended questions outside of work. Ditch the sales pitch. Ask questions such as you would when trying to further develop a personal friendship. For example, “What kind of fun things did you do this summer?” or “What part of town are you in?” Asking open-ended questions not related to work will set you apart from everyone else in the room.
By cultivating relationships and friendships, one will often go out of their way to do business with someone they like. But it often will not be with those who spout a boring, stale elevator pitch.
By using these three easy-to-remember strategies for face-to-face networking, you will be on your way to developing real relationships and will be much more likely to close a sale. Doing so will position you as a genuine person who knows how to connect, be remembered, and be seen as one who makes networking work.
Jarrod Goldsmith, Founder, eSAX (The Entrepreneur Social Advantage Experience)
Focus on Meaningful Connections
The best strategies for face-to-face networking events include focusing on quality over quantity by setting a goal for the number of meaningful connections, typically aiming to add one contact per hour. Avoid trying to meet everyone, as this often leads to shallow interactions with little traction. It’s also beneficial to check the attendee list beforehand to have an idea of who you might meet. Lastly, dress appropriately for the event by researching the venue and asking for advice if needed, ensuring you strike the right balance between underdressed and overdressed.
Daniele Portal, Business Development Manager, CertaPro Painters
Remember to Be Helpful
Be a helpful person. One way to be remembered is if you’re going about a networking event, connecting people, offering up guidance or resources, or simply asking questions about the other person. People won’t remember you for telling them who you are and what you do. They’ll remember you for introducing them to a like-minded person who shares a common interest. So, before you head to your next networking event, see if you can learn a few facts about some of the guests and have a plan to introduce them to someone new.
Gabrielle Pinkerton, Founder & Event Planner, Cause We Can Events
Make an Impression with Trust
The key is to make an impression. Build a relationship based on trust and genuinely get to know the person. Open up with a question about them, and make sure you’re actively listening. Once you build that foundation, you can focus on how you are unique among all the other candidates. Be curious and confident.
Nikki Yep, Sr. Event Planner, Event Solutions
Prepare and Plan for Networking
Maximizing your networking opportunities takes preparation. Don’t forget that motto: “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.”
Get an advance list of attendees from the sponsor. Who do you need to meet? Then look for that person. If you’re having trouble finding them, the staffer at the event registration desk can help.
Arrive early and leave late. If the action is at the bar after the last evening event, that’s where you want to be (club soda in hand), even if you have to get up early for the breakfast the next morning.
What will you say after you’ve introduced—or reintroduced—yourself? The best conversation opener goes something like: “What is your organization doing about that new development?” You do stay on top of new developments that affect your industry, right?
If your prospect/client is unaware of the development, you can impress your listeners while you expound on what’s happening. If they tell you what their organization is doing, you can learn a lot about how you can help. If they know about it but haven’t responded, there’s your chance to suggest you could be of assistance in the future and arrange to follow up.
Teddy Snyder, Author – Women Rainmakers Best Marketing Tips, Snyder Mediations
First Impressions and Follow-Ups
For me, the best strategy for face-to-face networking events is:
- Clear goals: For example, I want to expand my network with this type of professionals.
- Research: Having information about the people you’re targeting will give you the ability to control the conversation.
- Opening: For me, the first 8 seconds determine who you are and what you want. In my experience, experts will notice the type of person you are, so if you prepare your opening and do it with confidence, it will give a good first impression of you.
- Exchange advice, and finally, follow up by exchanging business cards, emails, LinkedIn, or even phone numbers.
Abderrahmane Benmahdjoub, CEO, Way2In
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