How to Prepare for a Business Networking Event

A little preparation helps you arrive at a networking event feeling more confident, with a clear explanation of your business and a practical plan for useful conversations and follow-up.

You do not need a complicated strategy before attending a networking event, but a little preparation makes it much easier to relax and have useful conversations.

Know why you are attending

Start with one or two realistic goals. You might want to meet more local business owners, find a particular type of supplier, learn about other companies in the area or simply become more visible within the business community.

A useful goal is something you can influence. “Have three good conversations” is usually more practical than “win a new customer today”.

Prepare a simple explanation of your business

You will almost certainly be asked what you do. Prepare an answer that explains who you help and the problem you solve rather than listing every service you provide.

Keep it conversational. You are starting a discussion, not delivering an advertisement.

Think about the customers you would like to meet

If somebody asks what a good introduction looks like for you, be specific. Company size, sector, location or a common business problem can make your answer much easier to remember.

Prepare a few questions

Questions remove the pressure to think of something clever to say. Useful examples include:

What sort of businesses do you normally work with?
What are you working on at the moment?
How did you get into your industry?
What kind of introduction would be useful to you?

Check your LinkedIn profile

People you meet may look you up during or after the event. Make sure your photo, headline and current company information explain clearly who you are. You do not need a perfect profile, but outdated information can make follow-up unnecessarily confusing.

What should you bring?

Your phone and LinkedIn details are usually enough. Business cards can still be useful if you like using them. Bring anything else the event specifically asks for, but avoid carrying piles of brochures unless there is a reason.

Arrive a little early

Arriving before the room becomes busy can be particularly useful for first-time visitors and people who dislike walking into a large group. It also gives the host a chance to welcome you and explain the format.

Do not try to meet everybody

Quality is more useful than quantity. Have enough conversations to make the event worthwhile, but give people your attention when you are speaking with them. Collecting contact details without learning anything about the person rarely creates a useful network.

Plan your follow-up before you leave

Make a quick note about conversations you want to continue. Within a day or two, send a personal message that refers to what you discussed. Arrange a one-to-one meeting only where there is a sensible reason.

Attending your first event?

Our first business networking event FAQ covers what to wear, what to say and what to expect when you arrive.

When you are ready, view the upcoming Elevating Business networking events.