10 Secrets to Effective Networking

You miss out on a lot of opportunities because I don’t attend networking events. And even when you do show up, it doesn’t really work. You think to yourself, either I stay quiet and stick with the person I came with, or I try to talk to everyone, and in trying to “catch them all,” I end up catching no one. The result? I don’t build any real connections.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 10 Secrets to Effective Networking

1. Prepare in advance: Want to attract a specific client or partner? Define ahead of time who you want to meet and why. What kind of client? From which industry? What size business? What can you offer them, and what makes you stand out from your competitors?

2. Show up with high energy: Physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual preparation helps. The higher your energy, the more magnetic you'll be.

3. Dress to impress: Wear something that fits the event and boosts your confidence. When you feel great in what you're wearing, it shows.

4. Even if you're unsure – go anyway: Even if you’re not yet clear on your ideal client, just being at the event will help you refine that understanding. The important thing is to show up – you'll be better prepared next time.

5. Don’t dismiss “irrelevant” events: Surprising things happen. You might meet someone who knows exactly the person you're looking for.

6. Be yourself: People connect with people, not job titles. You don’t need to put on a mask – just bring your authentic self.

7. Ask before you tell: When meeting someone, show genuine interest in them first – ask what they do, how they got into it, what motivates them, and what successes they’re proud of. Only after they show interest in you, that’s your moment to share what you do, what you offer, and what makes you different.

8. Don’t let the conversation end without a next step: If you sense potential for business or collaboration, don’t let the connection fade. While the momentum is still there, suggest exchanging contact info and meeting for coffee to continue the conversation.

9. Follow up: Send a message after the event – “It was really great meeting you!” – and suggest a time to catch up further.

10. Use the event organizers to your advantage: To effortlessly build more high-quality and relevant connections – thank the organizer, tell them who you met and who you’re hoping to meet. They might have the perfect person to introduce you to – without any extra effort from you, and who knows? It might lead to business.