Mastering the art of networking at events is crucial for any young entrepreneur. Insights from a CEO and a Partnerships Manager tackle just how to achieve this. From the first expert’s advice to adopt an abundance mentality to the final suggestion to approach networking with authenticity, these experts share 17 invaluable strategies.
This article promises to transform your approach to networking into one that builds lasting, meaningful relationships.
- Adopt an Abundance Mentality
- Be Open and Approachable
- Close Conversations with Follows or Links
- Learn from Like-Minded Entrepreneurs
- Effective Follow-Up Will Close Deals
- Engage Meaningfully and Listen Attentively
- Ask Good Questions and Offer Help
- Focus on Quality Over Quantity
- Prioritize Quality Connections
- Befriend the Event Organizer
- Build Genuine Relationships
- Set Clear Goals and Follow Up
- Create Sincere Relationships
- Go in with a Plan
- Ask Thoughtful Questions
- Get Active on LinkedIn
- Approach Networking with Authenticity
Adopt an Abundance Mentality
I started my business when I was 18, which is a pretty young age to be attending networking events and being so confident.
Here’s my approach: I go to events with an “abundance mentality.”
I have 2–3 items that I think might be valuable to someone else (my bartering pieces that I can offer to someone in networking events).
Once I get there, I start talking to people and find out what they are looking for.
Whenever possible, I do an introduction right away.
If I can give them value through one of my bartering pieces, then I do it.
Then I connect with them on LinkedIn and tell them I will investigate on their behalf if I am unable to think of anybody or anything to help them with.
I think that attitude is greatly appreciated by people.
No matter how small your bartering value seems to you, it could be a huge deal to someone else.
David Rubie-Todd, Co-Founder & Marketing Head, Sticker It
Be Open and Approachable
To make the most of networking events, it’s essential to be open and approachable. Embrace the opportunity to meet new people and appreciate different perspectives, knowing that everyone has something valuable to teach you. Even if a connection doesn’t seem directly beneficial for your business, offering help or insights can lead to unexpected opportunities down the line.
While extroverts may thrive in these situations without much preparation, introverts should recognize the importance of networking and approach conversations with curiosity. In the first few minutes of a discussion, assess whether the person can help you achieve your goals. If not, consider how you might assist them instead.
It’s crucial not to spend too long with each individual; aim for brief, engaging interactions, focusing on one or two meaningful connections at each event. If you find someone who stands out, invest more time in getting to know them. By being genuine, open, and proactive, you can maximize your networking opportunities and create valuable relationships.
Andrew Bluemental, CEO & Co-Founder, Lemon AI
Close Conversations with Follows or Links
Close your conversations with follows or links. We all have devices on us. While you do not want to brandish it during a conversation in favor of a genuine connection, getting a like, follow, or link at the moment is the best way to keep the connection going. Especially when you are new to an industry, going to networking events helps you find mentors and jobs. To optimize these, go to many of them and volunteer for leadership positions.
Being visible and connecting early shows confidence and dedication to joining a community. There are going to be people that you will naturally connect with better than others. There is no need to force a conversation and connection that is not flowing naturally. Without judging an engagement, do not pursue it, but do connect. QR codes are great for this, in addition to having apps open on your smart device.
One of the benefits of these events, in the long run, is building your own community and finding career-long mentors. Mentors have been one of the most essential parts of my career.
Matthew Capala, CEO, Alphametic
Learn from Like-Minded Entrepreneurs
One of the benefits of attending networking events is that you get to meet aspiring entrepreneurs and share your experiences with them. Not only this, you can listen to their stories and find out the obstacles that they encountered throughout their journey. Interacting with like-minded people gives you the motivation to keep pushing forward and not give up, even when the odds stack up against you. You get to learn from their mistakes and get inspired by the strategies that worked for them.
Andrew Munro, Founder & President, AffiliateWP
Effective Follow-Up Will Close Deals
I often repeat to young entrepreneurs regarding networking events: effective follow-up will close deals. During the event, approach conversations with genuine interest, ask insightful questions, and exchange contact information. However, the real value often comes after the event through effective follow-up.
Within 24–48 hours, reach out to your new contacts with a personalized message that references your conversation. The goal is reinforcing the connection and opening the door for future collaboration. Consistent follow-up turns brief encounters into meaningful relationships, which can lead to partnerships, mentorships, and opportunities that propel your business forward.
Jack Perkins, Founder and CEO, CFO Hub
Engage Meaningfully and Listen Attentively
In my experience, the real value of networking events as a young entrepreneur comes not only from who you meet but how you engage. I have found that preparation is key. Before attending an event, identify the attendees you wish to connect with and research their work—this facilitates meaningful conversations.
Secondly, don’t just sell; listen. Everyone likes to be heard and it’s amazing what you can learn by simply listening attentively. Thirdly, follow up post-event. Personalize your message based on your conversation to reinforce the connection.
Finally, investing in building long-term relationships rather than looking for immediate gains has been instrumental for me. Remember, networking is a marathon, not a sprint. Good relationships can provide support, advice, and opportunities for years to come.
Riccardo Ocleppo, Founder & Director, OPIT
Ask Good Questions and Offer Help
Networking is really about forging and sustaining meaningful connections, which we do by listening and trying to help others achieve their goals. Toward that end, when you’re at a networking event, ask good questions of the people with whom you’re talking. Try to learn about their goals. Instead of just asking what they do and leaving it there, ask them what the biggest challenge is in their work—and then think about ways you might be able to help them. This service mindset is the most fundamental (and overlooked) aspect of networking and leads to sustained relationships and growth.
Jennifer Gershberg, Campus Speaker and Course Creator, JG Talks
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
As a young entrepreneur, networking events are a gold mine for making meaningful connections. The key is to focus on quality over quantity. Instead of trying to meet everyone, I aim for genuine conversations with a handful of people.
For example, if I meet someone who shares similar interests or business challenges, I dive deeper into the conversation and find ways to offer value. This could be as simple as sharing a relevant resource or making an introduction to someone in my network.
After the event, I make sure to follow up on LinkedIn (where I already have a strong presence with 30k followers). I send a personalized message, referencing our conversation, and build from there. This helps create lasting relationships rather than just exchanging business cards.
I also try to give more than I take. Whether it’s offering advice or connecting others, people remember you for being helpful, which can lead to long-term collaborations.
Lastly, I always attend with an open mind, knowing that opportunities often arise in unexpected ways.
Umair Hussain, Digital Marketing Manager, Cloudways(DigitalOcean)
Prioritize Quality Connections
I approach networking events with a clear strategy and value-focused mindset. Prioritize quality connections over quantity by researching attendees beforehand and identifying key individuals aligned with your business goals. Prepare a concise, compelling elevator pitch that highlights your unique value proposition, and be ready to articulate how you can potentially collaborate or add value to others’ ventures.
During the event, actively listen and ask thoughtful questions to build genuine relationships. Follow up promptly after the event with personalized messages referencing specific conversation points. This approach helps solidify connections and opens doors for future opportunities.
Effective networking is about building mutually beneficial relationships, not just collecting business cards.
Tip: Set specific, achievable goals for each event, such as making three meaningful connections, to stay focused and measure your networking success.
Aaron Whittaker, VP of Demand Generation & Marketing, Thrive Digital Marketing Agency
Befriend the Event Organizer
To make the most out of networking events, it’s important not to collect a museum-worthy number of business cards. It’s very easy to want to network with everyone and make as many connections as possible, but all this leads to is a ton of surface-level conversations and irrelevant contacts.
The best and most effective way to bypass all the noise is to befriend the event organizer. Instead of being just the average attendee trying to talk to everyone, all you need to do is talk to one or a couple of people on the planning team and start building the relationship. They’re the ones who have the attendee list and know who the most important people in the room are.
To get on their good side, reach out before the event starts and ask them if they need help with anything. If you’re able to make their life a little bit easier and take something off their plate, they will have the utmost respect for you. This is how you get introductions to whoever you want to talk to on that list.
Not only is this strategy efficient, but it’s a more credible way to establish trust and build relationships.
Chelsey Moter, Founder, BLKBOOK
Build Genuine Relationships
As a young entrepreneur, I quickly learned that networking isn’t about collecting as many business cards as possible—it’s about building genuine relationships. During one event, I made it a point to connect deeply with just a few key people by asking about their challenges rather than pitching my services. One connection I made that day turned into a client, but more importantly, a mentor. By focusing on listening rather than selling, I left the event with more than just business leads—I built trust that later translated into long-term partnerships.
Victor Julio Coupé, Partnerships Manager, Digital Web Solutions
Set Clear Goals and Follow Up
As the founder of a luxury brand I started at 19, I’ve attended countless networking events to grow the business. Now, at 27, I can say those early years taught me how to manage not just the business, but also how to navigate situations where my age could have been seen as a disadvantage.
Here’s how I make the most of networking events, despite my age:
- Set clear goals: Before each event, I clearly define my objective, whether it’s expanding distribution or seeking mentorship. Having specific goals helps me stand out as someone with purpose. This immediately shifts the focus away from my age and onto the value I bring.
- Research attendees: Early on, I realized knowledge is power, especially when you’re younger than most in the room. I researched key players and companies before events, allowing me to have informed, insightful conversations. This helped me come across as prepared and professional, which earned me respect despite the age gap.
- Listen first, pitch later: I always prioritize listening over pitching. When people see that you’re genuinely interested in their business and challenges, age becomes irrelevant. This approach not only builds rapport but also positions you in a way that directly addresses their needs.
- Follow up with intent: After events, I make it a point to follow up with every valuable connection. A well-crafted email, LinkedIn message, or sending a sample shows that I’m serious about building long-term relationships. Following up consistently has helped me gain trust and move conversations from networking to business deals.
- Leverage fresh perspective: Instead of hiding my age, I use it as an advantage. Being young allows me to bring fresh ideas to the table, especially in an industry like luxury spirits. Offering unique insights, like digital-marketing strategies or product innovation, allows me to bring value that more experienced individuals might overlook.
Willem Louwers, Founder and CEO, LOUERS Vodka
Create Sincere Relationships
Making the most of networking events as a young entrepreneur requires a few crucial strategies. First and foremost, make sure your elevator pitch sums up your qualifications and experience. Put more effort into creating sincere relationships than you would into gathering business cards. I even sneaked into large corporate events in my early days without being invited, where I met incredible people who are still here supporting me.
A lasting impression can be made by striking up a discussion, posing questions, and showing sincere attention. Maintain such relationships by following up with the people you met, and don’t be afraid to give assistance or resources in exchange. Building relationships through networking is a mutual path that can eventually result in priceless opportunities.
Rtb Ruhan, CEO, Null Station
Go in with a Plan
Honestly, networking events can be a bit intimidating at first, but they’re also such a great opportunity, especially when you’re just starting out. Here’s what I’ve found works really well:
- Go in with a plan: Before you show up, think about why you’re there. Are you looking for advice, potential clients, or just trying to meet like-minded people? Knowing what you want can help you focus your efforts.
- Do a little homework: If possible, check out who’s going to be there. If there’s someone you really want to meet, knowing a bit about them can help start a great conversation.
- Have your story ready: When someone asks what you do, you want a clear, interesting answer. Practice a short pitch that sums up who you are and what you’re working on, but keep it casual and not too salesy.
- Be genuinely curious: Don’t just talk about yourself—ask others about their work, experiences, or challenges. People love when someone shows real interest in what they do, and it opens the door for a meaningful connection.
- Follow-up is key: After the event, don’t forget to send a quick message to the people you really clicked with. Mention something specific from your chat to keep the connection alive.
- Relax and enjoy: It’s not about talking to everyone in the room. Focus on quality over quantity. If you leave with just a few solid connections, that’s a win!
George Minzat, Head of Marketing and Sales, PONT
Ask Thoughtful Questions
I focus on asking thoughtful questions and paying attention to what others share because building relationships is about understanding people’s needs, not just promoting my services. When you listen, you can identify ways to offer value, whether it’s through advice, connections, or collaboration opportunities. This makes it easier to stand out and creates genuine connections that are far more meaningful than just pitching your business.
After the event, I also make sure to leverage social media to keep those connections alive. Platforms like LinkedIn are great for engaging with new contacts by sharing relevant content and offering insights that align with my personal brand. Staying authentic in these interactions is essential. I’m always true to my values and my mission as a coach, which helps build trust and credibility. Authenticity ensures that people connect with the real you, making them more likely to follow up, engage, and potentially work with you in the future.
Heidi Cortez, Lifelong Entrepreneur & Owner, Heidi Cortez
Get Active on LinkedIn
Before attending any networking event, I always recommend getting active on LinkedIn beforehand. Engaging with the event’s hashtag, joining discussion threads, and connecting with a few attendees in advance helps build initial visibility. That way, you can look out for some familiar faces when you arrive and easily break the ice.
During the actual event, the key is asking thoughtful questions that go beyond just, “So, what do you do?” Really listen to people’s stories—aim to listen twice as much as you talk. The more you engage individuals with sincere curiosity, the more memorable and positive an impression you’ll make.
But as they say, the fortune is in the follow-up. Make sure to quickly connect with every new contact on LinkedIn after an event. More than just the standard connection request, take a moment to drop a friendly (not sales-y!) message—share a relevant article, resurface an interesting point you discussed, or try to set up a casual coffee chat.
I also always recommend reaching out and connecting to the event organizers themselves to express gratitude, inquire about any upcoming events, and potentially explore future speaking opportunities.
Jaclyn Sergeant, Founder, Sergeant Digital
Approach Networking with Authenticity
Approach networking with authenticity, clear intentions, and a mindset of giving. As someone who has built a successful career through networking, both as an attorney and entrepreneur, I’ve learned that young entrepreneurs can maximize their impact at networking events by being intentional and building authentic connections. Here’s how I approach it:
Before attending any networking event, I always set clear goals. Whether it’s expanding my network, finding potential partners, or learning from others, knowing what I want to achieve helps guide my conversations with purpose. As a young entrepreneur, having a specific “ask” makes your interactions more productive.
It’s not about collecting business cards but building real, meaningful relationships. I make it a priority to ask thoughtful questions and show genuine interest in the other person’s story. Networking is about mutual benefit—how can you add value to others? Building trust and rapport will take you further than a transactional mindset.
The true value of networking comes after the event. I always follow up with a personalized message, whether by email or on LinkedIn, to maintain those new relationships. Nurturing these connections keeps you top of mind and opens doors for future opportunities. Being a super-connector also means facilitating introductions within your network, helping others as you grow your influence.
Networking doesn’t just happen at formal events. I’ve made valuable connections at conferences, trade shows, webinars, and even casual gatherings. Always be open to introducing yourself and learning about others. As an entrepreneur, see every encounter as a chance to expand your network—your greatest asset.
High-quality networking groups, like ProVisors, have been key to my success. These communities provide access to professionals who are not only successful but also eager to help each other. Joining groups like these will fast-track your growth as a young entrepreneur, offering mentorship, support, and a wealth of opportunities.
The relationships you build now will be foundational to your success, and if nurtured properly, they will continue to create opportunities throughout your career.
Kellianne Fedio, Growth Alchemist for Entrepreneurs, Kellianne.Me
