How to Make the Most of Networking Events

Networking events have a reputation problem. Many people find them simultaneously stressful and ineffective — you spend two hours talking to people you'll never hear from again, and then wonder why you bothered.

But networking events can be genuinely valuable if you approach them differently. Here's how.

Go With a Clear (But Loose) Intention

Before any networking event, decide roughly what you're hoping to get out of it. This doesn't need to be a precise target — "meet three interesting people in the marketing space" is fine. Having some intention prevents you from spending the whole evening feeling aimless.

That said, hold the intention loosely. Some of the most valuable conversations you'll have at networking events are unexpected ones. If you're too focused on finding a specific type of person, you'll miss them.

Arrive Earlier Than You Think You Should

Early arrivals have a significant advantage at networking events. The room is less crowded, people are more approachable, and the social dynamic is more fluid. When you arrive once the room is already packed, it's much harder to break into existing conversations.

Arriving first also means people come to you, rather than you having to approach groups. You're one of the anchor points that others attach to as they arrive.

Have a Few Questions Ready (Not a Script)

You don't need prepared speeches, but having a handful of genuine questions ready helps when conversation stalls. Some consistently useful ones:

• "What does a typical day look like for you?"
• "What's the most interesting thing you're working on right now?"
• "How did you end up in this field?"

These are open, inviting, and signal genuine interest — which is the most important quality in any networking conversation.

Listen Actively

This is worth repeating because it's consistently underdone. Active listening means asking follow-up questions that reference what the person just said. It means not planning your next sentence while they're speaking. It means being visibly engaged rather than scanning the room.

People can tell when they're being genuinely listened to. It's rarer than it should be, and it makes a real impression.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Apps like FirstMove are increasingly used at live events to help attendees connect more intentionally. If an event has a digital layer — a shared app, a networking platform, or a social discovery tool — use it. Being able to see who else is there and identify mutual interests before you approach someone reduces the guesswork considerably.

FirstMove's Mutual Handshake system means you only get connected with someone when you're both interested — making every conversation at the event one that both people want to have.

Quality Over Quantity

The goal is not to hand out as many cards or contacts as possible. Three genuine conversations will produce better outcomes than twenty brief exchanges.

If you're in a good conversation, stay in it. Don't keep one eye on the room looking for a better opportunity. The conversation you're in is the one that matters.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone Strategically

Networking events tend to attract introverts and extroverts alike, and most people default to talking with whoever is most accessible. This usually means talking to people you already know, or people who are similar to you.

Try to have at least one conversation with someone whose background or industry is very different from yours. These conversations are often more interesting and more memorable — and the connection you make may prove unexpectedly useful later.

Don't Disappear After the Event

The follow-up is where most networking value is either created or lost. Within 24-48 hours of the event, send a short message to anyone you want to stay in touch with.

Reference something specific from your conversation. Don't send a generic "great to meet you" — personalize it. A specific reference signals that you were genuinely engaged and that you value the connection.

The Real Purpose of Networking Events

The cynical view of networking is that it's about collecting useful contacts. But the more you attend events with that framing, the less enjoyable and effective they become — and people can sense when they're being evaluated rather than engaged.

The more useful framing: networking events are opportunities to expand your world. To meet people doing interesting things. To hear perspectives you wouldn't encounter in your daily life. The professional value tends to follow from genuine connection, not from transactional exchanges.

Try FirstMove

Make your next networking event count with FirstMove — a free app that helps you discover and connect with other attendees. Built on consent-first principles: both people have to be interested before any connection is made. Download on iOS or Android.