In short
Networking is building professional relationships that help each other over time, with referrals, information and opportunities. The person who stands out at an event is not the one who talks most, but the one who introduces themselves clearly, asks good questions and follows up. Prepare 3 questions, a 30-second introduction and an easy way to exchange contacts.
What networking is
Networking means building a web of people. It isn’t selling at the first meeting. The goal is to be remembered as someone reliable and worth recommending.
Before the event
- See who is attending and pick 3–5 people you want to talk to.
- Prepare a 30-second introduction.
- Prepare 3 questions to start a conversation.
- Update your LinkedIn profile: after the event, people will look you up there.
- Bring enough business cards, or a card that never runs out.
How to start a conversation
- “What brought you to this event?”
- “What are you working on at the moment?”
- “What has been the most useful conversation so far tonight?”
How to stand out at an event
- Be clear: one sentence about what you do and for whom.
- Listen and ask follow-up questions.
- Offer help before you ask for it: a referral, a contact, a useful link.
- Remember names and use them.
- Leave your contact in a way that is remembered.
- Follow up within 24 hours and mention something specific from the conversation.
How to stand out in a corporate setting
The same rules apply in the office, at a conference or in front of a client: people remember the clear, the useful and the reliable. Talk about results, not titles. Be the person who connects colleagues and partners. And make sure anyone who meets you can still find you a month later, with your current phone, role and LinkedIn.
After the event
- The same evening, note who told you what.
- Within 24 hours, write to the people you want to continue with and mention something specific.
- Connect on LinkedIn.
- Suggest a next step: a coffee, a call or a referral.
Networking with Echo Card
At an event, Echo Card takes care of the most tedious part: exchanging contacts. The other person taps your card and saves your contact with your photo. With “Send me your contact” they send you theirs, and you get it by email. In event mode the profile shows the event and up to 3 links, then switches back by itself when it ends. One card is €30, with no monthly fee.