Attending networking events for the first time can be pretty intimidating. You’re there to connect with key figures in your industry while representing your brand, and it’s natural that you’d feel a bit of pressure to get it right. It may not exactly be the most comfortable situation you could find yourself in, but it’s also not nearly as intimidating in reality as you might think it will be.
If you’re new to in-person networking, then there are a few things it can help to know before your first event. For those who are considering going to one soon, remember to keep the following points in mind.
You Can’t Connect With Everyone
One of the easiest ways to take the pressure off, is to remind yourself that you don’t need to network with every single person in the room. Some people you’ll click with naturally, and some you won’t – it’s important to direct yourself towards the former kinds of situations.
Instead of trying to ‘work the room’ in its entirety, aim for a few conversations that feel more genuine. Even one good new contact is worth more than ten forced chats, that you’ll probably just immediately forget about.
You Don’t Need A Perfect Introduction
A lot of people spend ages crafting a personal elevator pitch, but in reality, it rarely comes out the way you rehearsed it when you’re actually talking to someone.
It’s more useful to have a rough idea of how you’ll introduce yourself – your name, what you do, maybe a question about their brand or area of expertise. After that, let it be a conversation, not a performance. Most people are relieved when they meet someone who doesn’t sound like they’re reading off a mental cue card.
Listening Gets You Further Than Talking
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you have to impress people, with how much you know or with your professional accomplishments. Actually, asking good questions and listening carefully often leaves a better impression, especially when this takes place in a brand-specific exhibition stand from somewhere like Focal Exhibitions.
People tend to remember how you made them feel when they were around you, much more than the things that you’ve accomplished. Showing genuine interest in what someone else does and being personable, is a much more powerful networking skill than delivering a polished speech about yourself.
Following Up Matters
After the event, following up is incredibly important. You need to make sure that you cement the relationship, regardless of what your goals are. It doesn’t have to be anything excessive, even a short hello and a mention of something you talked about should be enough, helping to keep the door open for future conversations.
By keeping these points in mind, you can reduce the stress of your first in-person events, while maximising the impact of your attendance. With the right attitude, you can even come to enjoy these kinds of things, getting a lot from them.
Small Talk Isn’t Pointless
It might feel trivial at first, but small talk plays a bigger role than most people realise. Chatting about the venue, the snacks, or how far someone’s travelled to be there might seem like filler, but it’s often the gateway to more meaningful conversations. It helps break the ice, especially when you’re both trying to settle into the atmosphere.
You don’t need to dive into your resume straight away – a little bit of casual conversation builds trust and makes people more open to hearing about who you are and what you do later on.
Everyone Feels Awkward Sometimes
No matter how confident someone looks, chances are they’ve felt just as awkward as you do in a room full of strangers at some point. The truth is, networking isn’t second nature for most people – it’s a learned skill, and you’re not behind just because it feels unfamiliar.
So if you fumble a sentence or forget someone’s name mid-chat, don’t worry. The best thing you can do is keep showing up, learn as you go, and give yourself credit for being there. You’re already doing the hardest part.
Confidence Grows With Practice
The more events you attend, the more natural it all starts to feel. What seems intimidating at first gradually becomes familiar, and before you know it, you’re the one putting newcomers at ease. Don’t judge your networking ability based on your first try – like anything else, it improves with experience.
The important thing is to keep showing up and giving it a go. Confidence isn’t a requirement to get started – it’s something you build along the way.
Networking might feel a little awkward at first, but it gets easier – and more rewarding – the more you do it. By approaching events with a focus on genuine conversations rather than perfect performances, you’ll make stronger, more meaningful connections. Keep it relaxed, be yourself, and remember that every expert networker was once a beginner too.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo