What to do and what not to do at a networking event? It’s a question we business owners and entrepreneurs often ask ourselves. The first few times we may not be prepared for this kind of meeting, so here are some tips that can help you when taking part in an event like this:
1. Dress appropriately for networking
It’s important to dress appropriately for a business event, as this helps make a good impression and project a professional image. However, you don’t always need to go black tie with a bow tie and fancy shoes or, for women, a skirt and high heels. What matters is understanding the context of the event and having at least some idea of the kind of people who will attend.
For example, if it’s a golf event, you can go in more casual attire, but if it’s a product launch or a conference at a hotel, elegance will probably be part of the moment.
Not choosing the right outfit can make you look less serious, weaken your personal brand and make you feel insecure when speaking. Some people may even lose interest in starting a conversation with you.
Another point to keep in mind is that regular physical exercise is recommended, since it helps project an image of self-care and discipline. It’s always a good time to start.
Remember that not every event is formal, so it’s best to ask the organizer to avoid an awkward moment during the meeting.
2. Arrive early
It’s true that in some Latin American countries there is a cultural tendency to arrive late to events. Precisely for this reason, arriving early can be a significant competitive advantage. Here are some additional reasons why arriving early can make a difference:
- Make a positive first impression: Being one of the first to arrive gives you the chance to meet the event organizers, introduce yourself and make a positive impression from the start.
- Show commitment and professionalism: Arriving early shows your commitment to the event and your willingness to invest time and effort in building professional relationships. Other attendees may see this positively, and it can open doors to future opportunities.
- Break the ice: By meeting people before the event starts, you have the chance to sit with them, exchange ideas and build greater trust from the beginning.
What happens when you arrive late?
In general, arriving late to a networking event can have negative consequences in terms of connection opportunities, fitting into the group and the impression you make on other attendees. It’s important to make an effort to arrive on time to make the most of the opportunities and show respect for the organizers and other participants.
3. Prepare a pitch
The key to an effective pitch is being concise, clear and confident. Practice your pitch several times so you feel comfortable and natural delivering it. Adapt it to your needs and specific goals for each networking event you attend.
A good pitch should be concise, focused and memorable. It usually includes the following elements:
- Introduction: Say who you are and set the context of your presentation.
- Problem: Briefly describe the problem or need your business idea addresses.
- Solution: Explain how your product or service offers a unique and effective solution to that problem.
- Value proposition: Highlight the key benefits and competitive advantage of your business idea.
- Target market: Identify who your product or service is for and the size or potential of the market.
- Business model: Explain how you plan to generate revenue and become profitable.
- Team: Highlight the skills and experience of the team behind the idea.
- Next step: State what you’re looking for, whether investment, collaboration, clients or other interests.
- Closing: Thank the audience for their attention and invite them to continue the conversation.
4. Avoid controversial topics at networking events
Although controversial topics can sometimes spark interesting debates, at a networking event it’s important to keep a friendly and professional atmosphere. Discussing controversial issues can create tension and affect positive interactions between attendees.
Remember that the purpose of networking is to build professional relationships and foster opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. So it’s better to avoid topics that may create differences or polarization among attendees.
Sharing personal opinions about football teams, religious or spiritual beliefs, political support or issues related to sexuality can cause discomfort and discord among participants at a networking event. These topics tend to be personal and subjective, and they can steer the conversation away from the main goal of the event.
Respecting other people’s beliefs and opinions is essential. Everyone has the right to their own opinions and beliefs, and it’s essential to be respectful and considerate when interacting with others. Instead of trying to convince or argue with others about personal topics, it’s better to listen actively and show genuine interest in other people’s perspectives.
Video interviews about networking
To complement these tips, here are two conversations from the TecnoMarketing podcast (in Spanish) where we talk about networking with people who live it every day.
Networking as a strategy (not a sales pitch), with Nicolás Rocha
Nicolás Rocha, a marketing and sales automation consultant and creator of the Business and Beer meetups, explains that networking is an exchange of value, not a day of handing out business cards. Key takeaways from the interview:
- You don’t go to a networking event to sell: you go to build empathy and open doors for a follow-up conversation.
- Arrive with a clear goal: Nicolás aims to meet six to eight new people, follow up on WhatsApp with the best matches and turn at least one into an opportunity.
- Train your pitch: give it a beginning, middle and end, speak to your ideal customer’s pain points and close with an invitation to keep talking. If you listen first, you can tailor it to each person.
- Use technology: NFC digital business cards, a CRM (even a free one), platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite to find events, and LinkedIn to prepare your contacts.
- If you’re shy: practice stepping out of your comfort zone and bring someone who can introduce you to others.
They lost 70% of their clients: strategic networking with De Su Futuro
Yeimi Pedraza and José Baquero, founders of De Su Futuro, share how their agency lost 70% of its client portfolio in less than a month when the oil sector stalled. Instead of giving up, they activated their network: they landed clients abroad and created a networking event community for businesswomen that has now held several editions. Their lessons:
- Your contact list is an asset: friends, family, alumni and trade associations are your first business circle. Lose the fear of selling.
- Consistency pays off: people who attend events regularly do better, because a deal is rarely closed at the first meeting.
- Be in “connection mode”: say hello, listen, ask questions and introduce people who can work together. Genuinely helping others is the best marketing.
- Prepare for each event: define your goal, check who will attend and reach out on LinkedIn before you meet in person.
- Go as a group: attending chambers of commerce and trade fairs with your community makes it easier to start conversations.
Conclusion: make the most of your next networking event
Good networking doesn’t depend on luck but on preparation: dressing for the context, arriving on time, having a clear pitch and taking care of your conversations. If you want to keep strengthening your habits as a business owner, read these entrepreneur routines and discover this guide to creating a business plan with AI. You can also check the business events published by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce to put these tips into practice.
