Top 10 Tips for Networking Events from Fearless

Key facts

• The tips come from a Fearless blog post dated August 23, 2023, written by Carrie Swift, Founder and CEO of Fearless.
• Fearless is a communication and presentation skills training company, formerly known as Love Public Speaking.
• Fearless describes networking as one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to win new business.
• Fearless treats networking as a skill and a muscle to build, noting that many people dread it.
• Before the event: connect with other sign-ups on Facebook, Meetup or LinkedIn.
• At the event: arrive first, listen more than you talk, and take other people's business cards.
• After the event: follow up that night or the next day, chase 2-3 weeks later if there is no reply, and add contacts to your database or CRM.
• Fearless also lists Powerful Networking Skills among its training courses.

What are Fearless's top 10 tips for networking events?

• Connect with other people who have signed up ahead of the event, via Facebook, Meetup or LinkedIn.
• Get a photo on your business cards.
• Wear something that stands out.
• Be the first one there so you can talk to the organisers.
• Do more listening than talking.
• Have your elevator pitch ready.
• Move on if you find yourself stuck with the wrong contact.
• Don't just give out your card; take theirs.
• Follow up that night or the next day, no later.
• Add new contacts to your database or CRM and newsletter list.

Why does Fearless say networking events are worth attending?

Fearless, a communication and presentation skills training company, describes networking as one of the most powerful and cost-effective ways to win new business. It acknowledges that many people dread networking, but treats it as a skill to work on and a muscle to build, so the evening spent at an event produces meaningful connections.

How should you prepare before a networking event?

Fearless recommends connecting beforehand with other people who have signed up, on Facebook, Meetup or LinkedIn. Its suggested message is a short hello saying you are going to the same event, that you look forward to meeting them, and asking how long they have been in their industry. At the event you then already know a few familiar faces who are easy to approach.

How can you make yourself memorable at a networking event?

Fearless suggests two ways to be remembered: put a photo on your business card and wear something that stands out. Many attendees are regulars on the networking circuit who meet new contacts constantly, so they may not recall you a month later. A quirky tie, bright dress or flat cap helps build your personal brand.

Should you arrive early to a networking event?

Fearless advises being the first person there so you can talk to the organisers. Organisers can introduce you to other people, and being seen around them leads other guests to assume you are a regular and one of the more influential guests at the event.

Should you talk more or listen more when networking?

Fearless advises doing more listening than talking. Its reasoning is that networking is about building trust, which may eventually lead to a business relationship, and trust comes from really listening. Home in on the other person's needs, try to be of value, and treat them as a best friend you are trying to help. People forget what you say but not how you make them feel.

Why should you have an elevator pitch ready?

Fearless advises having your elevator pitch ready for when it is your turn to speak. Getting the right message across about your business, and more importantly the story and values behind it, is described as critical for determining whether the relationship continues after your initial meeting.

What should you do if you get stuck with the wrong contact?

Fearless acknowledges this happens and advises moving on politely, because time at an event is limited. Its suggested wording is: 'Hey, it's been great talking to you and I'd love to keep in touch, but I better go work the room – that's what I'm here for!'

Should you give out your business card or take theirs?

Fearless advises taking the other person's card, not only giving out your own. This keeps you in control of the exchange so you can follow up straight away. According to Fearless, if you only give out your card, you will probably never hear from the person.

How quickly should you follow up after a networking event?

Fearless recommends following up that night or the next day, no later, by call or email with some suggested dates for a meeting. If you get no reply to your follow-up email, Fearless suggests gently chasing again 2-3 weeks later.

What should you do with new contacts after following up?

Fearless advises adding new contacts to your database or CRM and signing them up to your monthly newsletter, so they become a permanent member of your network. If you are not doing business together yet, Fearless notes you may work together in the future.

Who wrote Fearless's networking tips?

The article was written by Carrie Swift, Founder and CEO of Fearless, a communication and presentation skills training company formerly known as Love Public Speaking. Carrie is listed as a Communication Skills Coach. The post was published on the Fearless blog on August 23, 2023.

Frequently asked questions

What is the first tip for networking events?

Fearless's first tip is to connect with other people who have signed up before the event, on Facebook, Meetup or LinkedIn, so you already have familiar faces to approach when you arrive.

Does Fearless recommend a photo on your business card?

Yes. Fearless says many attendees are on the networking circuit and may not remember who you are a month later, so a photo on your card helps make you unforgettable.

How soon should you follow up with a networking contact?

Fearless advises following up that night or the next day, no later, with suggested meeting dates. If there is no reply, it suggests gently chasing 2-3 weeks later.

What should you do if you are stuck talking to the wrong person?

Fearless advises politely moving on, for example by saying it has been great talking, you would love to keep in touch, but you need to go work the room.

Who is Carrie Swift?

Carrie Swift is the Founder and CEO of Fearless, a communication and presentation skills training company formerly known as Love Public Speaking. She wrote the networking tips article.