Let’s get real—networking is a drag. If you’re an entrepreneur juggling a dozen different hats, the last thing you need is another Zoom meet-and-greet that devolves into awkward silence or another business card that’s going straight into a drawer. But here’s the reality: networking is not optional. It’s a necessity. The right conversation can bring you your next great client, investor, mentor—or even a game-changing idea. The good news? You don’t have to be a social butterfly or attend every event in town to build a powerful network. You just need the right strategies—and a bit of intentionality.
Whether you’re launching or expanding your venture, smart networking can open doors that hard work can’t. So let’s dive into practical, no-nonsense strategies that actually work in the real world—without leaving you feeling like a walking elevator pitch.
1. Show Up Prepared: First Impressions Matter
You never know when an opportunity to network will present itself. It might be at a business event, a co-working space, or even in the queue at your local coffee shop. So it’s worth being ready.
Start with the basics: print business cards that reflect your brand and personality. As much as our digital age, a well-designed card is still an effective tool. It gives people a tangible way of remembering you—and shows you’re serious about things. Carry them everywhere with you. You’d be surprised at how often “Do you have a card?” still comes up.
Equally vital is your elevator pitch. Craft a 30-second introduction that briefly explains who you are, what you do, and what’s distinctive about your business. Make it natural and confident, not rehearsed and robotic. Think of it as your go-to reply when somebody asks, “So, what do you do?”
2. Focus on Building Relationships, Not Just Contacts
Too many entrepreneurs treat networking like a numbers game—collecting business cards, racking up LinkedIn contacts, and on to the next. Yet the real value is in relationships, not reach.
Instead of attempting to network with ten people at your next event, attempt to really connect with two or three. Ask thoughtful questions. Listen more than you talk. Be curious about the other person’s journey, and find genuine points of commonality. A good rule of thumb? Talk 30% about yourself and 70% about them.
Follow up afterward with a personal note—refer to something particular that you talked about. It shows you were present and that you care. Those little touches build trust, and trust is the foundation of good professional relationships.
3. Use the Power of Giving First
Help others—without expecting anything in return—and you’ll build a good network in no time. Introduce people to one another. Share information. Offer advice where it’s warranted. When people see that you’re open to sharing your time and knowledge, they’re much more likely to remember you when opportunities arise.
Consider networking as planting seeds. Some will sprout right away; others will take some time. But if you’re consistently appearing and adding value, you’ll build a reputation that attracts the right individuals to you.
This approach also takes away the pressure. You’re not “selling” yourself—you’re simply being useful, and that’s a more natural and pleasant way to form relationships.
4. Utilize Online Platforms with Intention
There is no doubt that social media platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), and even Instagram have changed everything. It is now easier to network with industry leaders, peers, and customers from around the world.
Mindless scrolling or shotgunning generic DMs, though, isn’t networking. Be thoughtful. Share posts that reflect your values and your work. Leave thoughtful comments on posts. Get involved with groups or communities that are relevant, and join discussions. Message with a purpose, not spam.
A good tip: warm up the relationship prior to sending a connection request to someone. Comment on or share their post with a personal note first. It breaks the ice and makes a valuable connection more probable.
5. Find Your People: Join Targeted Communities
Not all networking happens at massive events. Some of the most valuable opportunities are small, focused groups. Look for entrepreneur masterminds, local business meetups, or niche Slack communities that cater to your industry or interests.
These smaller circles often create a deeper sense of camaraderie. You’ll see the same faces, build rapport, and have more chances to collaborate. Plus, people in tight-knit communities are more likely to refer others they trust—which could mean more leads or partnerships for your business.
And don’t overlook volunteer or mentorship opportunities within these circles. Stepping up to support others often raises your visibility in ways traditional networking can’t.
6. Attend Fewer Events—But Be Completely Present
Let’s be realistic: not all networking events are created equal. Instead of accepting every invitation that comes your way, be selective. Choose quality over quantity. Choose events where your ideal collaborators, customers, or mentors are most likely to be present.
When you do attend, go all in. Don’t hang with the people you know or lurk near the food. Create a goal—like having three meaningful conversations—and then push yourself to go out and make them happen.
And yes, that does mean putting away your phone. Being present, meeting people’s eyes, and actually listening is rare these days—and super powerful.
7. Follow Up—and Keep the Conversation Alive
Networking doesn’t end with the event itself. If anything, that’s when it really begins. Always follow up. Send a short email or LinkedIn message within a few days. Discuss something specific that you discussed and suggest a way of staying in contact, even if it’s grabbing a coffee or touching base in six months.
Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM to track your contacts and interactions. This way, you can keep relationships warm without having to frantically figure out who’s who. A birthday message to someone, a congratulations on a new project, or a shared article they’d be interested in—these little things accumulate in the long run.
Wrapping Up: It’s About People, Not Just Pitching
Networking on a basic level is simply connecting with other human beings. Once you strip away the jargon and the awkward conversations, it’s simply people helping people. And as a business owner, your network can be one of your most valuable assets—not because you have a huge list of names, but because you’ve built real, lasting relationships.
So the next time you dress for a networking event or sign on to LinkedIn, remember this: Be real. Be useful. Be curious. And yes—get business cards that reflect the best of what you do. Because even the smallest things make the biggest impressions.
Happy networking—and here’s to building a network that works as hard as you do.
