Are you tired of attending networking events where everyone seems to be swapping business cards and engaging in small talk, but struggle to make any genuine connections? You’re not alone! Many young professionals, entrepreneurs, and students find it challenging to form meaningful relationships at these events, and it often feels like a superficial and transactional game.

But don’t worry! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through strategies to overcome the struggle of making genuine connections at networking events, transforming your networking experience, and building relationships that truly matter.

The pitfalls of superficial and transactional networking

So you’ve attended a bunch of networking events, and you’ve got a mountain of business cards to show for it. But let’s be real: How many of those connections have led to anything substantial? Real? Genuine?

Superficial and transactional networking can feel like a never-ending game that doesn’t result in meaningful relationships. Here’s why it doesn’t work in the long run:

The chase for numbers

When we focus on racking up as many contacts or business cards as possible, we lose sight of what truly matters: the quality of our connections. Sure, it might seem impressive to have a thousand LinkedIn connections or to have 20 new connections at an event, but if you don’t have or develop genuine relationships with these people, what’s the point?

Instead of chasing numbers, we should be investing our time and energy into building authentic connections that can genuinely support our professional growth.

People can see through it

Let’s face it: nobody likes feeling like they’re just another name on a list. When our interactions are superficial and transactional, people can sense it, and it can damage your reputation. Networking is about building trust and credibility, and that’s hard to achieve when you’re only focused on what you can get out of a relationship.

So, let’s shift our mindset from “What can I gain from this person?” to “How can we support each other in our professional journeys?”

Remember, it’s not about having the most contacts; it’s about making connections that count. Now that we understand the pitfalls of superficial networking, let’s explore some strategies to make genuine connections at networking events.

Strategies to make genuine connections at networking events

Networking events can be intimidating, especially when you’re trying to make genuine connections that don’t feel forced or superficial. Here are some strategies to help you build authentic relationships at these events:

Be genuinely curious

One of the most effective ways to connect with others is by being genuinely curious about them. Ask open-ended questions that encourage deeper conversations, and show sincere interest in their experiences, ideas, and aspirations. By being an engaged listener, you’ll make people feel valued and appreciated, fostering more meaningful connections.

Focus on quality, not quantity

Instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, concentrate on forming a few quality connections. Take your time to get to know individuals, and give them your full attention during conversations. You can easily do this by doing research before a networking event on who will be attending, and learning more about them beforehand so that when you meet you can engage in meaningful and deep conversations.

By prioritizing quality over quantity, you’ll create more memorable and meaningful interactions that can lead to lasting relationships.

Be authentic and open

Nobody likes a fake or superficial conversation, so be authentic and open in your interactions. Share your thoughts, experiences, and passions honestly, and be willing to be vulnerable — if you want to be. I’m not saying that you have to share every vulnerability about you to a stranger, but if the conversation is leading in a direction where you feel comfortable and trust the person in the moment, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

This openness will invite others to do the same, helping you build deeper connections based on trust and mutual understanding.

Offer help and support

One of the best ways to create genuine connections is by offering help and support to others. Look for opportunities to be of service, share your knowledge, or provide resources that can benefit your new contacts. By showing that you genuinely care about their success, you’ll establish a strong foundation for a lasting relationship.

Follow up and stay connected

After the networking event, make an effort to follow up with the people you’ve met. Send a personalized message, connect on social media, or invite them to a future event. By staying in touch and demonstrating genuine interest in their lives, you’ll strengthen the connections you’ve made and turn them into lasting relationships.

Building long-lasting connections beyond networking events

Transforming initial connections into long-lasting relationships goes beyond just the networking events themselves. Here are some tips on how to maintain and strengthen your connections after the event:

Schedule regular follow-ups

Stay in touch with your new contacts by scheduling regular follow-ups. Drop a quick message, share an interesting article, or simply ask how they’re doing. By showing genuine interest in their lives and staying engaged, you’ll keep the connection alive and help it grow.

Attend other events together

Keep an eye out for relevant events in your industry and invite your new connections to join you. Attending events together will not only deepen your relationship but also provide more opportunities to introduce each other to new contacts.

One thing we should all move past is gatekeeping things, such as events and gatherings. If there’s an event or gathering that may not necessarily fit your goal or style, but it would be perfect for someone you just met and connected with, forward them the information and encourage them to attend. We should all aspire to push other for growth and take advantage of all opportunities to succeed and win.

Collaborate on projects

Look for opportunities to collaborate with your new connections on projects or ventures. Maybe there’s a common interest or business idea that you both discussed at one point in past conversations, and you have an idea of how to bring that idea to life and your someone in your network might be perfect to collaborate with. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them and let me them know about your idea! The worst they can say is “no”.

Working together is a great way to build trust, develop a better understanding of each other’s strengths, and create a lasting bond.

Share your network

Introduce your connections to other people in your network who may be helpful or of interest to them. By doing so, you’ll be seen as a valuable resource and someone who genuinely cares about their success.

Celebrate milestones and achievements

Recognize and celebrate the achievements of your connections, both personally and professionally. Congratulate them on promotions, work anniversaries, or personal milestones. This support will make them feel valued and further strengthen your bond.

A personal favorite of mine is writing someone a hand-written note or letter, expressing either congratulations for their achievement or gratitude and letting them know how much our relationship means to me.

Yes, you can and should do this for professional connections — if you want to. (I highly encourage it, 100%)

Be there in tough times

Just as it’s essential to celebrate the good times, it’s also crucial to be there for your connections during difficult moments. Offer a listening ear, a helping hand, or words of encouragement when they face challenges. By showing empathy and understanding, you’ll solidify the relationship and create a lasting connection built on trust and support.

Finding the Right Networking Events for You

It’s essential to find networking events that resonate with you and your goals. By attending the right events, you’ll be more likely to connect with like-minded individuals, making it easier to cultivate genuine connections.

But how do you find the perfect networking event for you? Let’s explore some ways!

Find events that align with your interests and goals

First, take a moment to reflect on your interests, career aspirations, and values. What industries or sectors are you most drawn to? What kind of people do you want to surround yourself with? Once you have a clear understanding of your preferences, you can begin to seek out events that align with them.

For example, if you’re passionate about sustainability, you might look for networking events that focus on green technologies or eco-friendly practices. If you’re interested in the arts, explore events that bring together creatives and industry professionals.

Tips for researching and selecting networking opportunities

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to do some research. Here are a few tips to help you discover networking events that suit your needs:

• Utilize social media: Platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can be great sources of information about upcoming networking events. Follow industry leaders, join relevant groups, and engage in conversations to stay in the loop.
• Browse event websites: Websites like Eventbrite and Meetup often list a wide range of networking events and workshops. You can filter by location, date, and interest to find the perfect match for you.
• Ask for recommendations: Don’t hesitate to ask friends, colleagues, or mentors for suggestions. They might know about niche events or hidden gems that you wouldn’t find on your own. Professionals who are established in your field are a gold mine for events and networking opportunities — all it takes is 5 minutes (or less) creating one simple message or email, and a world of opportunities will open up for you.
• Check local organizations: Industry associations, chambers of commerce, and community groups often host networking events. Visit their websites or sign up for their newsletters to stay updated. Heavy on signing up for newsletter for local groups in your area because they ALWAYS have events and opportunities to network and connect with people who have similar interests and goals as you.

Remember, the key to making genuine connections is attending networking events that align with your interests and goals. By doing your research and being selective about the events you attend, you’ll increase your chances of building long-lasting, meaningful relationships with your fellow networkers.

Transforming Your Networking Experience

So there you have it, folks! By now, you should have a better understanding of how to overcome the struggle of making genuine connections at networking events. Gone are the days of feeling trapped in superficial and transactional interactions. It’s time to forge meaningful relationships that will help you grow both professionally and personally.

Remember, the key to successful networking is to approach each event with a genuine desire to connect with others, share your experiences, and learn from those around you. Don’t forget to put yourself out there, explore various events, and find the ones that align with your interests and goals. And most importantly, always be yourself.

As young professionals, entrepreneur, or student, we have the power to shape our networking experiences and make them truly rewarding. So, take these strategies to heart, implement them at your next networking event, and watch your connections flourish.

Before you go, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing content like this to help you navigate the world of entrepreneurship and career success. Let’s make networking an enjoyable and valuable part of our professional journey!

Happy networking, and here’s to creating genuine, long-lasting connections!