Most of us attend business lunches, awards, or networking evenings with good intentions – we want to “show face,” support peers, maybe meet someone interesting. But too often, we leave with a few polite conversations and a vague sense that it was “nice,” rather than useful.

In reality, every event is an opportunity to grow visibility, credibility and connection – if we approach it with purpose.

1. Be Intentional About Why You’re There

Time is a scarce resource, especially in a growing business. Before stepping into any room, ask: What outcome would make this event valuable?
It might be:

• Meeting one potential client, referrer or collaborator

• Raising awareness of your new business or service

• Finding a partner, mentor or speaker opportunity

According to Forbes Business Council, networking becomes valuable when you “connect with intent – not just exchange cards but build mutually supportive communities.” That means arriving prepared to contribute and to ask.

2. Prepare Your Value Line and Follow-Up

The old “elevator pitch” can feel outdated in our online world. You don’t need a rehearsed speech – you need a value line and a follow-up question that makes people curious.

For example, here’s mine:

“I’m a business mentor and speaker who empowers entrepreneurs and managers to turn values into strategy – creating teams and cultures that perform with integrity.”

Then the follow-up:

“I’m looking to connect with leaders and event organisers focused on culture-led growth – who comes to mind in your circle?”

It’s short, clear, and invites the other person into the conversation. It positions me as a peer, not a seller.

3. Scout for the Connection Before You Arrive

Decide in advance: Who do I want to meet? Maybe it’s an HR Director, an industry colleague, or a conference organiser. Check the event list if available or simply hold one clear intention in mind.

Prepare:

• A few smart conversation openers related to the sector

• Your LinkedIn QR code ready to scan

• Confidence in your one-liner and your ask

That small preparation turns casual chat into purposeful engagement.

4. During the Event – Be Present, Be Curious

As you mingle, listen more than you talk. When the conversation turns to you, use your value line and then explore common ground:

“What kind of challenges are you seeing in your business growth right now?”
“Is the cost of living crisis impacting the wage needs of your team?”
“Are you being impacted by changes in tariffs, auto-enrolment, or environmental targets?”

The goal is not to pitch – it’s to connect meaningfully. Offer value, insight, or introductions where appropriate. And don’t be afraid to ask:

“I wonder if you know someone in [company or sector] I should meet?”

That’s not pushy; it’s professional curiosity.

5. Follow Up With Purpose

Within 24–48 hours, connect on LinkedIn with a short message reminding them who you are and one thing you discussed.

Then, within two weeks, send a quick follow-up — maybe an article, a speaking clip, or a resource that relates to your chat.

The research is clear: the fortune is in the follow-up.

People simply don’t do it — you know you mean to — but something gets in the way. So start small:

Set just one follow-up as your target for your first event and build from there.
If you went to 10 events a year and followed up with just one person each time, your network would include 10 more business people you didn’t know at the start of the year.

6. Women in Business — Make the Ask

Research from the Women’s Entrepreneur Network shows that women excel at supporting others but often don’t make the ask for their own businesses. Let’s change that.

It’s not about selling to every person you meet; it’s about inviting others into your mission.

Say confidently:

“I’m expanding my speaking and mentoring work with growth-minded organisations — is there someone you think I should connect with?”

Purposeful questions lead to powerful opportunities.

✅ Your Networking Checklist

• Know your goal

• Prepare your value line and follow-up

• Identify your ideal connector

• Listen actively and ask with intention

• Follow up promptly

Make 2026 the year you speak with purpose and connect with courage.
You’re not just showing up – you’re showing up smart.

📖 PS. A True Story:

In the early days of 3Q Recruitment, I attended a Christmas drinks night with the Women in Business LEO group (in the Mercantile in town). I went simply to support other women entrepreneurs — not expecting business leads.

During a chat, one woman said, “You’d be a godsend for my brother — he runs an events catering company and can’t find the right staff.” That single, serendipitous conversation turned into a contract worth over €100,000 in a year.

It wasn’t luck – it was being clear on what I do, confident enough to talk about it, and open enough to ask questions that turned a social night into business success.