5 Networking Tips That Actually Work (From Someone Who's Done It 500+ Times)

I've been to over 500 networking events in my career. I've seen people walk into their first event terrified and walk out with game-changing connections. I've also watched natural extroverts completely waste incredible opportunities.

Here's what I've learned: networking isn't about being the loudest person in the room. It's about being the most intentional.

After years of mentoring Exeter businesses and watching what actually works, here are the five networking strategies that consistently deliver results.

1. Quality Over Quantity (The 3-Person Rule)

The mistake everyone makes: Trying to meet everyone in the room.

What actually works: Aim to have three meaningful conversations.

I watch this play out at every event. The "card collectors" race around the room, grabbing business cards like they're on a game show. Meanwhile, the successful networkers are deep in conversation with just a few people.

Why this works:

• You actually remember the people you meet
• Conversations go beyond surface-level small talk
• You can provide real value in longer conversations
• People remember you (instead of thinking "who was that again?")

How to implement:

• Set a goal of three quality conversations per event
• Spend 15-20 minutes with each person
• Ask follow-up questions that show genuine interest
• Take notes immediately after each conversation

2. Lead With Value, Not Your Elevator Pitch

The mistake: "Hi, I'm John, I run a marketing agency that helps businesses grow their online presence through strategic digital campaigns and..."

What works: "Hi, I'm John. What's the biggest challenge your business is facing right now?"

Stop talking about yourself first. Start by understanding what the other person needs.

The psychology behind this:

• People love talking about their challenges (you become a good listener)
• You learn exactly how you might help them
• You position yourself as a problem-solver, not a salesperson
• The conversation becomes collaborative, not transactional

My favourite conversation starters:

• "What's exciting you most about your business right now?"
• "What's the biggest challenge you're working on?"
• "What brought you to this event?"
• "What would make this networking event a success for you?"

Notice how none of these are about me. Everything starts with them.

3. The 48-Hour Follow-Up Formula

The networking graveyard: Business cards sitting in a drawer, never contacted.

The reality: 90% of networking value happens after the event.

Here's my proven follow-up system:

Within 24 hours:

• Connect on LinkedIn with a personalised message
• Reference something specific from your conversation
• Attach any resources you promised

Within 48 hours:

• Send a proper email or phone call
• Propose a specific next step
• Add value immediately

Example follow-up message:

"Hi Sarah,

Great meeting you last night at the Exeter Business Network event. I was thinking about your challenge with staff retention after our conversation.

I've attached an article about retention strategies that work for small businesses - thought you might find it useful.

Would you be free for a coffee next week? I'd love to introduce you to another business owner who solved a similar challenge.

Best, Richard"

Why this works:

• Shows you were actually listening
• Provides immediate value
• Suggests a clear next step
• Makes you memorable

4. Be a Connector, Not Just a Collector

The secret weapon: Help other people network.

Most powerful question: "Who would be perfect for you to meet?"

When you actively help other people make connections, magic happens:

• You become the centre of conversations
• People remember you as helpful, not needy
• You build a reputation as a connector
• Others want to help you in return

How to be a super-connector:

• Learn what everyone does and what they need
• Introduce people during the event
• Make LinkedIn introductions after events
• Host your own networking gatherings
• Share opportunities that aren't right for you

Example in action: "Sarah, you need to meet David. He's just solved the exact staff retention challenge you mentioned. David, Sarah runs a growing accountancy firm in Exeter and could probably help with your bookkeeping challenges. Let me introduce you properly..."

Now you're not just networking – you're facilitating other people's success. That's how you become indispensable.

5. The Event Choice Strategy

Not all networking events are created equal.

I've been to chamber of commerce meetings with 200 people where I made zero meaningful connections. I've been to small industry meetups with 15 people that led to six-figure partnerships.

How to choose the right events:

For new businesses:

• Local Chamber of Commerce (broad connections)
• Industry-specific meetups (relevant connections)
• BNI groups (structured referral system)

For established businesses:

• Mastermind groups (peer learning)
• Industry conferences (thought leadership)
• Client/supplier events (strengthen existing relationships)

For service businesses:

• Professional associations (credibility building)
• Community groups (local reputation)
• Charity events (values-based connections)

The Exeter advantage: Our business community is tight-knit enough that you can build real relationships, but large enough to provide genuine opportunities. Use this to your advantage.

Events I recommend in the Exeter area:

• Exeter Business Network (monthly)
• Devon Chamber events
• Industry-specific meetups at the Innovation Centre
• Charity fundraising events
• Professional development workshops

The Networking Mindset Shift

Old mindset: "What can I get from these people?" New mindset: "How can I help these people succeed?"

This isn't just feel-good philosophy – it's practical business strategy. When you show up to give value first, people want to do business with you.

Questions to ask yourself:

• What expertise can I share?
• What connections can I make for others?
• What opportunities can I pass along?
• How can I support someone else's goals?

Common Networking Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake 1: The Hard Sell Don't pitch your services in the first conversation. Build the relationship first.

Mistake 2: Talking Too Much Aim for 70% listening, 30% talking. People buy from people they feel understand them.

Mistake 3: Not Having a Clear Goal "Meet people" isn't a goal. "Find three potential suppliers for my new service" is.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Event Format Adapt your approach to the event. A 500-person conference needs different tactics than a 20-person breakfast meeting.

Mistake 5: Expecting Immediate Results Networking is relationship building, not speed dating. Some of my best business relationships took months to develop.

The Long Game: Building Your Network Over Time

Your network is your net worth – but only if you nurture it.

Monthly network maintenance:

• Reach out to 5 past connections
• Share relevant opportunities
• Make at least 2 introductions
• Attend 1-2 networking events
• Provide value without expecting return

Quarterly review:

• Assess which relationships are growing
• Identify gaps in your network
• Plan which events to attend
• Review your networking goals

The Enterprise Assist Approach

At Enterprise Assist, I help businesses build meaningful professional networks because I've seen the transformational power of strategic networking.

What I've observed:

• Businesses with strong networks grow 3x faster
• Networked entrepreneurs have better access to resources
• Connected business owners make better decisions (more diverse input)
• Strong networks provide resilience during tough times

My networking support includes:

• One-on-one networking strategy sessions
• Event introductions and accompaniment
• Follow-up accountability and coaching
• Introduction to my established network
• Ongoing relationship management advice

Your Next Steps

This week:

1. Choose one networking event to attend
2. Set a goal of three quality conversations
3. Prepare value-focused questions
4. Plan your 48-hour follow-up system

This month:

1. Attend 2-3 different types of events
2. Make 5 meaningful connections
3. Facilitate 2 introductions for others
4. Follow up with everyone you meet

This quarter:

1. Develop a networking calendar
2. Build a system for staying in touch
3. Host your own networking gathering
4. Measure the business impact

The Bottom Line

Networking isn't about collecting business cards or working the room. It's about building genuine relationships with people who can help you grow, and who you can help in return.

The Exeter business community is incredibly welcoming, but you have to show up authentically and consistently. When you do, the opportunities are endless.

Ready to upgrade your networking game?

If you're serious about building a network that drives real business growth, I'd love to help. Enterprise Assist offers one-on-one networking mentoring and can introduce you to the right people and events for your business.

Get in touch and let's talk about building the professional relationships that will transform your business.

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Building a business in Exeter? Your network could be your biggest competitive advantage. Don't leave it to chance.

Want personalised networking advice? Contact Enterprise Assist for a strategy session that could change how you approach professional relationships.