How to Make the Most of Networking Events

Preparation is key 

Define your goals 

Before attending any networking event, it’s crucial to set clear and achievable goals. Consider what you aim to accomplish. Are you looking to meet new people, learn about specific topics, or promote a project? Defining your objectives will help you focus your efforts and make better use of your time. If your primary goal is to learn something specific, for example, you might prioritise attending sessions or workshops over networking. On the other hand, if your goal is to expand your professional network, you might focus on meeting new people and engaging in meaningful conversations. 

Equally, don’t define your goals so tightly that you miss out on the happenstance of going to an event, encountering someone which produces an unexpected result. Clearly, you need a plan, but not too rigid either. 

Do your research 

Do your homework before the day – most people don’t and so start on the back foot. Scan the agenda, get a feel for the speaker line-up, and if you can get your hands on the attendee list, even better. Knowing what’s on and when means you can cherry-pick the sessions that actually matter to you, rather than wandering around like a conference tourist. Look up the speakers — a quick recon of their background will give you a handle on what they’re talking about and might just give you something clever to say – or better still ask – if you bump into them over coffee. Same goes for attendees: spot the people you really want to meet, find out what makes them tick, and be ready to chat like you’re not winging it. A little bit of preparation turns small talk into smart talk. 

Practise your intro 

As the adage goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So, be ready to clearly and briefly explain what you do, who you do it for, and maybe even what you’re working on. Don’t be the person that everyone forgot after meeting, be the one that they remember. My tip would be to practise your introductions to the dog, or the mirror. Listen for the intonation, is it interesting? If so, use that version. 

“Hi, I’m Sarah, and I’m responsible for the growth of The Legal Director, the biggest provider of fractional GCs to UK businesses.” 

Making the most of the day 

Plan your time and prioritise sessions  

Arrive early at the event to settle in, spot familiar faces and start conversations in a more relaxed setting. If you can speak to the events team when you get there, all the better as they know the lie of the land and are bound to help you if you ask them. If you haven’t already seen the guest list, ask for a sneak peek and maybe an introduction or two? “I’ll be standing over there,” you say as you give them a name or two to introduce you to. Works every time because the other person who arrives enjoys hearing “Oh yes, Sarah Clark was asking to be introduced to you, can I take you over?” 

Equally, don’t try to do everything. This is not a numbers game. It’s better to have a few meaningful interactions than to try to meet everyone. Make a list of sessions you must attend and people you want to connect with and don’t forget to allocate time for breaks to recharge and review your notes. Oh, and don’t forget to enjoy it. 

Lead with curiosity 

When meeting new people, be curious and ask open-ended questions. People like talking about themselves and their passions, so it’s worth asking questions and then sharing your own related experiences and insights without dominating the conversation. Taking the time to listen actively and show genuine interest in others will promote quality interactions that can lead to lasting professional relationships. Establishing something in common is more important the first time that you meet than pitching them for work (obviously). 

Stay connected and take notes 

Post updates during the day to connect with other attendees and share your takeaways. Remember to take notes during sessions, especially your own reflections and ideas sparked by the discussions as these notes will provide valuable material for follow-up actions and social media content. A voice note is an easy way of doing this quickly as we speak quicker than we type. I find that quoting the speakers in a post celebrating their speech tends to attract attention from others at the event too. 

Following up and taking action post-event 

The work doesn’t end when the event is over. Follow up with the people you met within 48 hours to keep the conversation fresh. Send short, thoughtful messages referencing your time together and that you’re keen to remain in touch. Share a post-event reflection on LinkedIn to consolidate your learnings and share insights with your network. And don’t forget to add any new contacts to your professional network with a personalised note about how you met.  

Finally, take at least one action based on what you learned from the event. Whether it’s implementing a new strategy or reaching out to a potential collaborator, putting insights into action ensures that the knowledge you gained doesn’t sit idle. 

Common mistakes to avoid 

My advice?  

• Avoid overloading your schedule, which can lead to burnout and make it challenging to engage meaningfully. (I take my self off periodically to the ‘chill-out area’ at Legal Geek, recharging between sessions, to allow myself to keep going.) You’ll regret leaving at 4pm and missing the networking drinks because you spent all your social battery in the morning.  

• Balance your time between sessions and networking opportunities.  

• Don’t monopolise conversations by talking too much about yourself; focus on asking questions and showing interest in others.  

• Failing to follow up with new connections can waste the effort you put into networking, so don’t forget your post-event activity.  

• Lastly, remember that building relationships takes time. Avoid being too transactional. Instead, concentrate on developing genuine connections that may evolve and blossom into something marvellous over time.