I will provide you with 3 tips to successful networking and what you will need when going to a network event as well as what to do afterwards. You can use this quick checklist to review before going into your event!
Read below for 3 tips for successful networking!
What you need:
Tip#1 To be successful networking… Bring business cards
They need a way to contact you for questions, comment and collaborations! If nothing else it speaks to your professionalism and how serious you take yourself or your business.
Related Post: Need Some Motivation
Tip #2 To be successful networking…Bring pens and a note pad
Please note that “pens” is plural. I have been to many training, speaking events and networking events where someone did not have a pen or my “favorite” pen decided to stop working.
You want to take notes on the back of business cards or if someone does not have a card you want to have a way capture their information and what they do.

Tip #3 To be successful networking… Bring a bottle of water
All of the conversing you “should” be doing is bound to make you thirsty. Not only that, you you do not want to be the person everyone avoids because of your breath.
What you need to know to be successful networking
Tip #1 To be successful networking… Know your goals for yourself or your business
You need to be prepared for questions about where you want to see yourself or your business in short and long terms. In order to build connections with the appropriate individuals you need to know your goals and align yourself with individuals who are where you want to be.
Related Post: How to cope with anxiety
Tip #2 To be successful networking….Know what questions to ask
“Know what you don’t know”. While conversing throughout the event be prepared to learn new things to grow yourself or your business.
It would benefit you to have a cheat sheet of sorts prepared if you need to but it is extremely important to be prepared with questions. In this case it is what you know and WHO you know.
Tip #3 To be successful networking…Know the purpose
The purpose of networking is to connect you with like minded individuals who can provide insight, guidance and endless knowledge as to how you can be the best at what you aspire to be. Networking is yet another way to invest in yourself and your future. Do not take that for granted.
Related Post: How To Invest In You

What to do after the event to be successful
Tip #1 To be successful networking…Apply what you have learned
All of the notes you have taken (mentally and literally) put them to good use. Whether you need to improve your resume, boost traffic to your site or form a product people will buy, implement them. Prioritize your notes and begin to make things happen!
Tip #1 To be successful networking…Put those business cards to good use
Take time to touch base with individuals from the event and put in the effort to form a relationship with them. Try to schedule a lunch date and ask questions based on thinks you may have discussed before or new questions that have arose since the event.
Follow up email example:
Hello Jessica!
It was a pleasure speaking with you at the Healthcare Fair on December 17, 2018. I enjoyed speaking with you about the services you provide and the path you took to get there. I remember that you mentioned currently working on a workbook to use with mental health clients and I have an invested interest in the mental health field. I would love to grab coffee or meet for lunch!
Sincerely,
Name, Title
Company/Organization
Contact Information
This reminds me that I need to get some business cards. Thanks for this l!
In the last few years when I attend very big networking events, I collected some business cards but the vast majority of people I connected with them on LinkedIn at the event. The downside is that I cannot remember all the new additions to my network and LinkedIn does not show you a list of recent connects.
This is a great post, I think making sure you have business cards when going to a networking event is a big thing but often as bloggers is something we don’t all think about.
this is a good read… love the thought of having calling/business cards and pen (with s)… I’ll take note of this…
The mints and water can make all the difference. I usually will jot down notes about the person I just met behind their business card, it helps me remember them later and personalize my emails/social media notes to them ๐
This is so spot on! I wish I had a guide like this when I used to go to trade shows! Will totally be bookmarking for next time a networking event comes to town ๐
Michelle | She’s Not So Basic
Business cards is the first necessary thing. Great read.
In Asia, it is like a silent mortal sin not to have your business card with you when you meet people for business. We treat it it with utmost respect.
Wow what a cultural difference. I didnt learn the importance until undergrad
These are great tips! I LOVE going to networking events: they always leave me feeling so inspired and energized!
Great tips! I’ve always wanted to attend to one of those networking events. Would definitely try these in the new year!
Merry Christmas!
XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
The before and after tips for networking. Good information.
What you write here is so true Jessica. And the truth is that networking is the most valuable thing that you can do for your business. Choosing the right networking event is also very important. I’m going to be following your suggestions to the letter at the next networking event I attend.
Excellent tips, I struggle with following up at networking. I’ve always been scared to keep in touch but the example you shared is so simple and easy to do.
I’ve actually not been to a networking event in years. I would love to go to more in 2019!
I’ve actually not been to a networking event in years. I would love to go to more in 2019!
Wow that such a great tips. I remember invited to join and networking event without me having idea what Iโm going to do. Very informative!
Wow that such a great tips. I remember invited to join and networking event without me having idea what Iโm going to do. Very informative!
Thanks so much for this sharing, learnt some tips & it definitely helps in my next networking events ๐
Cheers, siennylovesdrawing
Thanks so much for this sharing, learnt some tips & it definitely helps in my next networking events ๐
Cheers, siennylovesdrawing
This is a great list – you did a wonderful job including everything and breaking it down to manageable steps to take. Thatโs so helpful for people who find networking totally overwhelming!
This is a great list – you did a wonderful job including everything and breaking it down to manageable steps to take. Thatโs so helpful for people who find networking totally overwhelming!
Super informative! Networking sounds like something I would do in the future – would love to have my own business cards one day.
Super informative! Networking sounds like something I would do in the future – would love to have my own business cards one day.
This is great! My poor brain tends to freak out when it comes to networking, and this list lays out some great framework for being successful at any networking event!
This is great! My poor brain tends to freak out when it comes to networking, and this list lays out some great framework for being successful at any networking event!
Thank you for the great tips! I have some networking come up
Thank you for the great tips! I have some networking come up
A great an informative post! I have a networking event coming up, I will be sure to keep your tips in mind!
A great an informative post! I have a networking event coming up, I will be sure to keep your tips in mind!
I took notes of the points of this post because it is from here that I want to leave for a better 2019!
I took notes of the points of this post because it is from here that I want to leave for a better 2019!
This is great. I have been networking for years now but when I first started I was a wreck. The thing about the mints is so key especially if you’re at an event that has coffee.
This is great. I have been networking for years now but when I first started I was a wreck. The thing about the mints is so key especially if you’re at an event that has coffee.
Networking is becoming so much more important, especially in blogging. I have found business cards and not to be shy to be the best for me.
Networking is becoming so much more important, especially in blogging. I have found business cards and not to be shy to be the best for me.
These are all important things to keep in mind when networking. I wish to be able to apply these soon.
These are all important things to keep in mind when networking. I wish to be able to apply these soon.
Great tips and example of the email! There are often times where I have been at a conference, engage with others and they do not have business cards. But of course, at the particular moment, I donโt have any either. Typically, I keep a few in my purse and car.Thanks for the reminder.
Great tips and example of the email! There are often times where I have been at a conference, engage with others and they do not have business cards. But of course, at the particular moment, I donโt have any either. Typically, I keep a few in my purse and car.Thanks for the reminder.
Recently I havenโt been to any blogging related networking or even the likes. I guess I had enough when I was younger. I have gone to networking events of AMWAY, Mary Kay, and AIM Star, and yeah I felt like I failed tremendously. Itโs unbelievable how a small thing like business card can break or make deals and connections in this event. I feel right now, this is one of the reasons I didnโt make as many networking at that time.
It’s the little things that can matter the most! Thanks for reading
Recently I havenโt been to any blogging related networking or even the likes. I guess I had enough when I was younger. I have gone to networking events of AMWAY, Mary Kay, and AIM Star, and yeah I felt like I failed tremendously. Itโs unbelievable how a small thing like business card can break or make deals and connections in this event. I feel right now, this is one of the reasons I didnโt make as many networking at that time.
It’s the little things that can matter the most! Thanks for reading
Great tips Jess. I am not only networking online, but I shall be in-person as well since I am working towards becoming a coach and speaker in the future. Building solid relationships is the key to a businesses success. I will keep your tips in mind for my next networking event. ๐
Great tips Jess. I am not only networking online, but I shall be in-person as well since I am working towards becoming a coach and speaker in the future. Building solid relationships is the key to a businesses success. I will keep your tips in mind for my next networking event. ๐
I love โstalkingโ people on linked in when I interview someone or I am
Going for an interview
I love โstalkingโ people on linked in when I interview someone or I am
Going for an interview
Unfortunately, I haven’t been to any networking events, but in the spirit of broadening my horizons, I am seriously looking into attending a few in 2019. These tips will definitely come in handy. Thank you
Unfortunately, I haven’t been to any networking events, but in the spirit of broadening my horizons, I am seriously looking into attending a few in 2019. These tips will definitely come in handy. Thank you
What an awesome read with lots of useful tips, and that email example is really good too. I know some people who need to read this. Thank you for sharing this.
What an awesome read with lots of useful tips, and that email example is really good too. I know some people who need to read this. Thank you for sharing this.
Just recently, I attended a blogging event and I’m so glad I brought along my business cards apart from the normal book and pen. I sure got some great contacts from there.
Just recently, I attended a blogging event and I’m so glad I brought along my business cards apart from the normal book and pen. I sure got some great contacts from there.
I love going to networking and media events, it can be really scary at first though. Social media “stalking” is actually something I still do lol finding and connecting with others at the event beforehand!
I love going to networking and media events, it can be really scary at first though. Social media “stalking” is actually something I still do lol finding and connecting with others at the event beforehand!
These are great tips and I have to say I never thought about mints and water. I pretty much keep my business cards with me but I need to try all of your tips next time.
These are great tips and I have to say I never thought about mints and water. I pretty much keep my business cards with me but I need to try all of your tips next time.
This is so good to know! I made some business cards for when I might attend one, which has yet to happen haha.
New year new opportunities!
This is so good to know! I made some business cards for when I might attend one, which has yet to happen haha.
New year new opportunities!
Great post with lots of advice for those going to networking events. I think it’s important to know your business and its goals like you say.
Great post with lots of advice for those going to networking events. I think it’s important to know your business and its goals like you say.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information on networking events and the importance of carrying business cards.
Thanks for sharing this valuable information on networking events and the importance of carrying business cards.
This was the perfect post! I have some networking events coming up and I will use all of this information!
This was the perfect post! I have some networking events coming up and I will use all of this information!
Follow up is so key. Iโve been to too many events and then never heard back from those that Iโve met!
Follow up is so key. Iโve been to too many events and then never heard back from those that Iโve met!
Definitely a yes on the mints! I wish more people would think about that oneโฆlol ๐
Definitely a yes on the mints! I wish more people would think about that oneโฆlol ๐
Such a great idea to carry mints. Sometimes I forget to keep those handy!
Such a great idea to carry mints. Sometimes I forget to keep those handy!
Great tips! very informative this is really helps when you starting business ๐
Great tips! very informative this is really helps when you starting business ๐
I like networking events, it is a challenge at first but I get used to it. I met many good people and good business partners.
Never go to networking events sans business cards. You’ll feel naked.
I like networking events, it is a challenge at first but I get used to it. I met many good people and good business partners.
Never go to networking events sans business cards. You’ll feel naked.
Business cards are a must! We love handing our out like candy ๐
Business cards are a must! We love handing our out like candy ๐
I love the tip on networking afterward. This letter that your provided will help me after my events
Great!
I love the tip on networking afterward. This letter that your provided will help me after my events
Great!
I go to quite a lot of events and it’s amazing how many people don’t have their business cards with them. Or they don’t have enough and run out at the beginning of the day.
It is my hope they will see this and prepare theirselves better
I go to quite a lot of events and it’s amazing how many people don’t have their business cards with them. Or they don’t have enough and run out at the beginning of the day.
It is my hope they will see this and prepare theirselves better
I like your list. I need to get business cards. I keep forgetting to make some.
It’s a must have!
I like your list. I need to get business cards. I keep forgetting to make some.
It’s a must have!
These are great reminders for business networking. I like to come prepared with an โelevator speechโ about my business!
Sounds like you’re pretty prepared
These are great reminders for business networking. I like to come prepared with an โelevator speechโ about my business!
Sounds like you’re pretty prepared
what great tips you got here! applying what you learned is so important as sometimes it is easy to forget it in real scenarios!
So true
what great tips you got here! applying what you learned is so important as sometimes it is easy to forget it in real scenarios!
So true
I’ve never attended any networking event, but I think I’d love to do so pretty soon! Your tips are really great and I’ll keep them in mind for sure! They’re very useful! ๐
Thank you
I’ve never attended any networking event, but I think I’d love to do so pretty soon! Your tips are really great and I’ll keep them in mind for sure! They’re very useful! ๐
Thank you
I still lack business cards. Thanks for sharing such useful tips.
Thanks for reading
I still lack business cards. Thanks for sharing such useful tips.
Thanks for reading
Nice post / tips. The usual mistake most do is not do the follow-up after. Great job.
Nice post / tips. The usual mistake most do is not do the follow-up after. Great job.
Thanks
I think this will help the newbies prosper. This looks like a complete and well prepared guide. It is so much helpful.
I think this will help the newbies prosper. This looks like a complete and well prepared guide. It is so much helpful.
Thank you
Really great savvy advice. I canโt stress on really making the effort to pass out business cards and contact those you meet at the network event afterwards. Itโs such a great way to meet like minded individuals and build relationships.
It opens so many doors when people do it
Those are great tips! Networking events always make me nervous… I am an introvert and always scared I won’t know what to talk about!
Thata normal until you’re there for a bit
Those are great tips! Networking events always make me nervous… I am an introvert and always scared I won’t know what to talk about!
Thata normal until you’re there for a bit
Great advice! Iโve been to a few business networking functions around town and they usually take place at a bar lol Unfortunately, Iโve stopped going because it didnโt bring any value to me and the men were clearly on the โhuntโ. I hope to find female driven network events, so I can actually put your tips to use!
That’s sucks but I wish you look in your future events
Great advice! Iโve been to a few business networking functions around town and they usually take place at a bar lol Unfortunately, Iโve stopped going because it didnโt bring any value to me and the men were clearly on the โhuntโ. I hope to find female driven network events, so I can actually put your tips to use!
That’s sucks but I wish you look in your future events
love the idea of setting your own goals and what you’re hoping to gain!
Thanks for reading
love the idea of setting your own goals and what you’re hoping to gain!
Thanks for reading
Nice tips to remember for everyone. As we may miss out the tiniest thing sometimes with the excitement of going to attend such an event.
Exactly
I’ve never been to a networking event so these are all great tips I will keep in mind if ever I do. I know that art of the follow-up is key!
I’ve never been to a networking event so these are all great tips I will keep in mind if ever I do. I know that art of the follow-up is key!
Really, it’s very basic what you will need for a networking event. However, each one of those basic things is so important.
Really, it’s very basic what you will need for a networking event. However, each one of those basic things is so important.
Honestly I love a business card, but failing that as long you gave a social media account and your phone to hand that is great too, in connecting with people.
Honestly I love a business card, but failing that as long you gave a social media account and your phone to hand that is great too, in connecting with people.
This is a perfect guide. We should treat our online work as serious business, and applying your tips are great.
This is a perfect guide. We should treat our online work as serious business, and applying your tips are great.
Love the advice. Understanding the basics is really helpful to staying on task!
xo ~ Sheree
Love the advice. Understanding the basics is really helpful to staying on task!
xo ~ Sheree
Some great tips for increasing my network effortlessly. Thanks for sharing.
Some great tips for increasing my network effortlessly. Thanks for sharing.
This is such a helpful guide for people who are looking into expanding their network by attending events. Definitely going to keep in mind having business cards on hand, even in this digital age I think that’s still important. ๐
This is such a helpful guide for people who are looking into expanding their network by attending events. Definitely going to keep in mind having business cards on hand, even in this digital age I think that’s still important. ๐