How to Navigate Networking Events as a Consultant

I used to drop $1,000 on big conferences, thinking that’s where all the action was happening. Now? Game-changing events > calendar fillers. Turns out, the best convos were always happening at small side events. Recently at TechWeek, I managed to get into a tiny, highly curated event for a Series B+ audience and it was so worth the hustle. This wasn’t a “buy ticket, show up” kind of event. It was more like: find the organizers → reach out directly → dig up mutual intros → prep a killer intro blurb → earn your spot Because even the best pitch means nothing if you’re in the wrong room. Here’s how I decide where to go now, and don’t waste my time (or budget) there: → Research the audience first Check last year’s attendees. Look at the speaker companies. If your ICP isn’t there, don’t go. → Prioritize curated over open-door Events with RSVP forms and shortlists are gold. They take more effort to get into, but the quality of conversation is 10x higher. → Hunt for the small stuff and side events I’ll skip the 2,000-person conference for a 20-person breakfast any day. No booths, no noise — just real people and real context. → Use event curation newsletters I love Supermomos newsletters for finding quality events. Way better than scrolling Eventbrite or Luma for hours. → Don’t stack your day One meaningful event > three mediocre ones. You’ll actually have energy to follow up. Result: I stopped collecting just LinkedIn connections and started landing real leads. And I couldn’t have pulled it off without my assistant — from outreach, to prep, to managing all the behind-the-scenes ops. Great networking starts with choosing the right rooms. And remember: not all events are created equal. Some open doors. Some just fill your calendar. What’s your approach to event strategy?

Sometimes I really hate networking. The generic questions like “How’s work?” or “Nice weather we’re having.” The awkward silence feeling when neither person knows what to say. The fake-promise break off “Yes, let’s keep in touch.” or “I’ll definitely circle back.” I’m someone who loves quiet and enjoys deeper conversations. So, large events, like conferences, often feels like a chore. But I know networking is really important. And I do genuinely want to connect with people. So, over the years, I’ve learn how to network in a way that feels more me. Here are 6 strategies that have helped. I hope they help you too! 1/ Pre-connect online ➙ If the event has a guest list, I always reach out ahead of time. ➙ "Hey, I saw we’re both attending [event]. Would love to say a quick hello while there!" ➙ This erases the initial awkwardness and gives me an anchor.   2/ Set a micro-goal ➙ Instead of feeling the need to “network with everyone,” I set a goal. ➙ “I’ll have [x] real conversations and then I can leave.” ➙ This gives me purpose and permission.   3/ Use the buddy system ➙ If it’s possible, I bring a colleague or friend. ➙ If not, I’ll hook up early with someone I know. ➙ We tag-team conversations and give each other talk breaks.   4/ Have go-to questions ready ➙ When my energy is low, thinking on the fly is hard. ➙ I keep a couple of easy, genuine openers in my pocket: ➙ “What session are you most excited to attend?” or “What’s something interesting you’ve been working on lately?” 5. Reframe networking as a favor to future-me ➙ Just because I don’t love it in the moment, doesn’t mean I’m not grateful I went. ➙ When I've used all of my words, I exit gracefully (and guilt-free). 6/ Always follow up ➙ It’s impossible to connect with everyone, so this step is crucial. ➙ Reaching out post-event invites continued dialog and deepens connections that matter. Some people were born to network. Others, like me, were not. But showing up with a game plan really helps build meaningful connections that last. What is your networking survival tip? ___ ♻️ Share to support all forms of networking! 🔔 Follow Dr. Heather Maietta for coaching tips that stick.

I was paid to go to 100 events a year at a past job - I learned how to be ruthlessly effective at networking in-person 12 uncommon tips you can use for more efficient networking at a conference: 1) don’t eat heavy! It will slow you down 2) Don’t be afraid to leave a conversation, even if it feels a tad abrupt, protect your time and stay focused. We're all attendees, we understand. 3) Drink lots of water and bring gum or mints. 4) Ask “what brings you here?” as an alternative to the overplayed question “what do you do” 5) Happy hours involved? Bring an after alcohol aid like Cheers - you need to be at your freshest every morning of the event 6) Everyone says they're bad at remembering names, but a small trick is to repeat someone’s full name when you meet them so you’re more likely to remember it later and people like hearing their name. 7) Use the LinkedIn app on your phone to quickly scan and immediately connect with someone to follow up later 8) take lots of pictures with people, it creates a memory and a positive surface to reconnect later online after the event (I need to get better at this) 9) don’t be silent - if you’re not naturally talkative or “loud” this one is for you: you need to force yourself to speak, even if that means raising your voice in a crowded room, or walking across the room to introduce yourself, it's the only way people will get to know you, a big reason why you're at the event. Break the ice, 95% of people will be thankful you did. 10) know your micro elevator pitch - what’s the 1 sentence version of what you do that is interesting and will “stick” with someone? It takes practice and experimentation to fine tune, especially if you work at a “boring” company but hey, mix it up and you’ll find it. DM me if you want to hear my example for me new company. 11) have fun! Don’t get too self-conscious or take anything too seriously, no one really cares about a pimple or a stain. People remember your energy, not your appearance. 12) controversial one - don’t bring a friend. They might help you avoid some awkwardness but you’ll end up spending 50% of your time talking to them, instead of meeting and talking with new people Agree/disagree with any? What would you add? #inbound24

👻👻 A (professional) introvert's guide to making Networking Events Less Spooky 👻👻 If you fear networking events, copy my playbook. True story: I fear "networking events" on multiple levels. If biz dev wasn't part of my role with Remedy Public Relations, I'd be happy with a more behind-the-scenes role mentoring & strategizing (#careergoals). How do I make it "seem" easy? Preparation & strategy. 1. Show up EARLY. It's easier to strike up a conversation at the beginning than try to inject yourself after. 2. Be distinct. I like to wear one piece of flair that relates to who I am outside the office. My long-distance running shoes (Nike Zoom Fly Five / Hyper Pink), are a conversation starter. ⛳️ Do you play golf? Wear a golf shirt from a brand that only fellow golfers would know. IYKYK 3. Don't rush in. Whenever possible, I'll work remotely near the event. This gives me time to relax & collect myself before walking in. 4. Don't ask what someone does. That's transactional & many fear that question if they're between roles. Ask what they're up to. Let them choose the path. 5. Talk to everyone. I HATE the term referral partners, but I've received some great leads from people far removed from PR & marketing. 6. Plan to chat. Prepare to discuss something you're working on that you're excited about. - No one likes someone who only talks about their job. Be prepared to get personal. What did you do the weekend before that was exciting, or what are you looking forward to this weekend? Sound obvious? Sure… but I can barely remember what I had for lunch yesterday, so if you put me on the spot, I may forget if I didn't prepare. 7. Slide into those DMs. See who registered you want to meet & drop them a note. No list? Check who posted about going to the last event on social media. Drop them a note. 8. What's a challenge you or your industry is facing? Keep that in mind for conversations. 9. Work on your penmanship. If you have to write your own nametag at an event, it helps if people can read it. We also have little Remedy PR stickers to throw at the bottom of the nametags. Side note: Jonah Peake 🐺 has posted before about putting your nametag upside down to spark conversations. 10. Check your network to see who is going, but don't cling to them. I saw a lot of people I know & like at Connect's #IDSD24 a few weeks back, but I didn't sit with anyone too long. Move around. 11. Consistency brings comfort. Commit to a regular series of events so you start seeing some of the same people. It will make conversations less daunting & keep you in mind for later. 12. Stress builds strength. I try to commit to one new event or meeting a month that takes me outside my bubble. Makes the next one easier. 13. Drop a line to them after you meet. Keep the ball moving. Some pics below of people I met for the first time or strengthened relationships by going to networking events within the last six weeks. Kanani, Robyn Goldberg, Jason, Lu, Scott, Susan.