Tag: Networking Events

Why In-Person Events Are Still a Business Superpower in 2025 | Entrepreneur
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Even with all the ways technology has changed how we work and connect, there’s still something powerful about being in the same room with people. In-person events — whether it’s a roundtable, a workshop, a conference, a product roadshow or a community gathering — create opportunities for connection, trust and collaboration that digital tools can’t quite replace.

For entrepreneurs, that face-to-face time matters more than ever in 2025. Showing up fully, adding real value to the conversation and taking the time to follow up can turn a simple interaction into a lasting business advantage.

Related: Why This Sports Festival Might Be the Most Ambitious Live Event in America

Benefits of live events

We are wired to connect. Even in a world that embraces remote work, most of us still crave face-to-face interaction. That’s why live events matter. They’re not just gatherings, they’re growth engines. They offer the chance to meet up with colleagues old and new, prospects, industry partners and other contacts.

They’re your chance to understand customer pain points, build trust and lay the groundwork for future sales. At their core, events are about relationships, and relationships are how businesses grow.

In-person events play a key role in shaping executive visibility and thought leadership, too. Keynotes, speaking sessions, breakouts and panels remain key ways to get your company and spokespeople in front of targeted audiences. And now that events are gaining halo ecosystems of their own, there are even more opportunities for podcasts, fireside chats and “birds of a feather” sessions at offsite partner dinners, breakfast seminars and customer happy hours after the expo hall closes.

What to look for in potential events

Post-pandemic, audience expectations for in-person engagement have shifted. Today’s attendees want more from events, including more networking, more meaningful customer meetings, partner meetings and clearer return-on-investment. Events become a way to capitalize on your industry’s collective physical presence in a way that hybrid/remote work and interactions aren’t able to deliver as consistently.

But not all events are equal. How can you decide which will be best for you? 
- Conduct online research for events in your industry. When you find promising events, look at those event websites for more information.  
- If the event has booths or exhibits, contact event managers to get prior event stats like the number of attendees, lists of previous years’ exhibitors and demographics.
- Do some digging to discover which events your competitors show up for.
- Ask your network which events have done well for them and why.
Related: How to Turn Your Event Into a Must-Attend Experience With PR

What meaningful participation looks like

Showing up doesn’t guarantee you’ll get noticed. One practical, effective strategy is for all event team members to wear a consistent branded look (e.g., logo shirt and black pants). Research shows that such “uniforms” boost brand recognition, making your team more visible, approachable and memorable in a crowded event space. 

A second strategy is to think about alternative (even “guerrilla”) marketing activities. You may want to upset the apple cart and get free publicity. What’s a pain point you can capitalize on, for instance? How is your offering different? You can learn a lot and get inspired by the famous WePay stunt.

Snacks are a perennial hit, venue permitting. Stock up on bite-sized items to help fuel attendees and conversations. People expect video, too, so create a short, high-quality video that draws the eye and informs.

If the event has booths, you want yours to be the talk of the show. It should be eye-catching and maybe even fun. I’ve seen recent booths that featured a miniature race track, puppies and even baby goats. While attention-grabbing gimmicks can draw a crowd, the real win is creating a space that facilitates conversation and is easy to navigate. And don’t forget the importance of comfortable chairs!

Don’t neglect training for your booth team, either. Visitors need to feel welcome and comfortable. The team should comprise smart, energetic people who don’t pounce on visitors and immediately start selling. Walk them through a variety of possible scenarios ahead of time so they’re knowledgeable and prepared. A re-usable event training handbook is a good idea.

If your main objective at an event is to gather leads, dust off your interaction skills and connect with prospects at every opportunity. Attend receptions, dinners and other networking functions. Be personable and authentic, and listen — these are the ingredients that build trust. You also want to be intentional about meeting up with key contacts and prospects.

Related: How to Bridge The Gap Between In-Person and Remote Meetings

Events as part of the bigger PR picture

PR and marketing teams must integrate events into a broader comms strategy. Events shouldn’t be one-offs; they should amplify and align with ongoing campaigns. Start by defining clear goals: media coverage, thought leadership, lead generation or brand visibility.

Before the event, build anticipation with press outreach, email campaigns and social posts. Secure speaking slots and pre-schedule media or analyst briefings.

During the event, share real-time content, engage on social, and collect assets, such as photos, quotes and customer insights, for future use. Afterward, repurpose key takeaways into blog posts or thought leadership pieces. Follow up with leads, media contacts, and analysts. Use event insights to inform future messaging and campaign direction.

When integrated well, events become high-impact moments that feed your content pipeline and strengthen market positioning.

Make a lasting impact

In-person events are a great way to connect with customers and contacts while meeting experts and prospects. With so much “noise” at these gatherings, you need strategies for rising above the crowd in meaningful ways. Whether you’re at an industry mixer or a huge event with exhibitors, preparation, creativity, and authenticity will win the day.

Refer to the recommendations mentioned above to make sure the time and expense of live events are maximized to meet your business goals.
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Cara Sloman

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August 29, 2025
How to Network at Events Like a Pro and Watch Your Startup Soar | Entrepreneur

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Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

We, as entrepreneurs, have a goal: to grow a startup — a brand — that impacts many people with our solutions and services. This entails numerous tasks, from building a product, managing and hiring a team, finding investors and establishing a client base. With that in mind, who has the time to network and attend events? And on top of that, do you know why most people hate networking at events? Because they rarely meet relevant people for them, and it often feels like a waste of time.

Do you know why it feels like a waste of time? Because they never took the time to set their goals for the conference or meetup and define who they came to meet, and instead leave it up to luck or chance.

I always say that no one teaches us how to network for results, and that’s why I took on the task over a decade ago to build my expertise and run workshops to teach professionals all around the world how to network — and that includes at conferences.

To help you make the most of your next meet-up or conference, I would like to share some of my top practices. Once you do them, you will surely look at networking events as a source of opportunities rather than a time waster.

Related: 3 Ways to Get More Business at Networking Events

1. Remember: Networking is uncomfortable for all of us, not only you

Why are we so uncomfortable next to strangers at conferences? Once you crack that, you can work the room so much better. I hope this info will make you feel a bit better: Based on public speaking statistics for 2020 from Orai.com research, 77% of the U.S. population feel some anxiety when it comes to public speaking, and 90% report some “shyness.” This means most people who come to the event will feel the same as you do — uncomfortable and insecure. However, in most cases, they will put a “mask” on and won’t show it.

Various studies and concepts in social psychology and cognitive neuroscience also found that when we meet new people, our brains subconsciously assess whether they like us and whether they pose a threat. It happens in split seconds, and that’s why a positive first impression is so crucial.

What can you do to connect well with all the people you meet? Be proactive and initiate the conversation instead of waiting for them to do so. Show them that you are open to meeting them through open body language, a smile and a warm look in their eyes. It’s so simple and non-verbal, can make a better experience for both of you and could be the beginning of a great friendship or business partnership.

2. Set your “people’s goal”

As said, most people don’t feel networking events work for them because they don’t set a goal for those they want to meet with. Several years ago, a global businessman I followed came to Berlin for a conference while I was there. I sent him a LinkedIn message a few days earlier, stating that I saw he would be in town and expressing my wish to meet with him. We set a time for our meeting, and when I arrived at the conference at that designated time, I met him and left. Mission accomplished — and it was short, precise and time well spent.

Before going to a conference, check if the topic, speakers and type of participants are people in your industry whom you wish to get to know. Then try to find out who will be there and set a goal of at least two people you must meet at the conference. Make sure you do what is needed to meet them and ensure you won’t leave the room before you do so. Then, by the time you leave the conference, it should feel like time well spent. Don’t forget to follow up after and continue the conversation with those you met.

Related: The 10 Commandments of Networking

3. Create your “events squad”

Usually at conferences, we may know some people from the past, meet new people and even attend with another “wingman/woman.” To meet the people you wish to get to know, you need to be everywhere and see everything. But how? By creating your own “event’s squad” that will increase the chances of getting connected to the right people.

You can do it with a bit of planning, a lot of goodwill and two stages. It goes like this:

Stage 1: Every person you meet, whether a new acquaintance or an old friend, at some point in the conversation, ask them: “Who are you interested in meeting at this conference? I might see/know them and can introduce you two.”

Stage 2: Then, they may ask you the same question. If not, just say: “By the way, I’m looking to connect with people in [sector] if you come across anyone please introduce us.” They usually will say “Yes, sure!”

Now what? If you get to meet someone they’re looking to meet as well, please introduce them during the event or after. Some of them will do the same for you, and this way, you build a team that thinks of your needs — just as you think of theirs — and increase your chances for relevant introductions during and after the conference. That’s actually what networking is all about: a mutually beneficial relationship that helps each side grow.

Related: How to Network For Those Who Hate to Network

In conclusion, mastering the art of networking at conferences is not only about attending events but strategically planning your moves and setting clear goals. By being proactive, initiating conversations and connecting with others, you can transform networking from a perceived time-waster into a powerful tool for professional growth.

Remember: Everyone at the conference, like you, seeks meaningful connections. With a thoughtful approach, you can make your conference experience truly impactful. Embrace these techniques, and may your future conferences be not just events, but stepping stones toward your professional success and company’s growth.

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Lirone Glikman

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January 12, 2024
Two Rockstars Make Successful Skincare Brand | Entrepreneur

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Entrepreneur+ will be hosting a special Q&A with the brilliant minds behind the brand, Mother Science.

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Entrepreneur Staff

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August 3, 2023
How to Create the Ultimate Virtual Sales Event | Entrepreneur

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In today’s digital age, businesses are harnessing the power of virtual sales events to drive growth. I’ve personally generated over a million dollars in revenue through live virtual events I call challenges on Zoom, attesting to their effectiveness. These types of online gatherings, ranging from webinars to virtual trade shows, offer a global reach, making them an essential part of many businesses’ sales strategies.

According to Grand View Research, the global virtual events market size was valued at $77.98 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2% from 2020 to 2027. This statistic underscores the growing importance and potential of virtual sales events in the business landscape.

Related: The New Opportunities That Virtual Event Are Bringing to Businesses

Planning and execution

The success of a virtual sales event hinges on strategic planning and execution. Start by defining the event’s purpose. Is it to introduce a new product, educate potential customers, generate leads, or build brand awareness? A clear objective will guide the planning process and help determine the most appropriate format for the event.

Next, consider your target audience. Understanding their needs, interests and online behavior will help you tailor the event to their preferences, increasing the likelihood of engagement. For instance, if your target audience is tech-savvy millennials, incorporating interactive elements such as polls, Q&A sessions or virtual reality experiences can enhance their engagement.

Choosing the right technology platform is also crucial. The platform should be user-friendly, reliable and capable of supporting the features you plan to include in your event, such as live streaming, chat functionality, or virtual booths. Additionally, it should provide analytics tools to measure the event’s success.

Related: 5 Ways to Keep Engaged During Boring Virtual Meetings

Engaging customers

Engaging customers during a virtual sales event can be challenging, given the distractions of the online environment. However, there are several strategies you can employ to keep your audience engaged.

Firstly, deliver valuable content. Whether it’s a product demonstration, an educational webinar, or a panel discussion, ensure the content is relevant and valuable to your audience. Use storytelling techniques to make your content more engaging and memorable. For example, share success stories of clients who have benefited from your product or service.

Secondly, encourage interaction. Interactive elements such as live chats, polls and Q&A sessions can make your audience feel involved and maintain their interest throughout the event. You could also consider gamification strategies, such as quizzes or competitions, to add an element of fun and increase engagement.

A survey by Bizzabo found that 93% of event marketers plan to invest in virtual events moving forward. This statistic highlights the recognition among marketers of the value of engaging customers through virtual sales events.

Leveraging technology

In the era of remote work, technology plays a crucial role in the success of virtual sales events. From the platform used to host the event to the tools employed for audience engagement, technology can enhance the event experience for both the host and the attendees.

For instance, using a reliable and user-friendly platform like Zoom can ensure a smooth and seamless event experience. Zoom offers features like breakout rooms for smaller group discussions, virtual backgrounds for a professional appearance and recording options for those who might miss the live event.

Tools like chatbots can also be used to answer common queries, freeing up your team to focus on more complex questions. Polling and survey tools can be used to gather real-time feedback, helping you understand your audience better and make necessary adjustments.

Related: Budget Planning And Execution Tips For Virtual Events

Measuring success

The success of a virtual sales event is not just about the number of attendees or the immediate sales generated. It’s also about the relationships built, the brand awareness created and the potential leads generated for future sales.

To measure the success of your event, consider metrics like attendee engagement (e.g., participation in polls or Q&A sessions), the number of new leads generated and the conversion rate of these leads into customers. Also, consider the feedback received from attendees. This can provide valuable insights into what worked well and what could be improved in future events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, virtual sales events offer a powerful strategy for business growth in the remote era. They provide an opportunity to reach a global audience, engage customers in a new and exciting way and generate leads and sales. However, to leverage these events effectively, businesses need to plan carefully, engage their audience, leverage technology and measure their success.

As someone who has experienced the power of virtual sales events firsthand, I can attest to their potential. With the right approach, these events can drive sales, build stronger relationships with customers and create a sustainable model for business growth.

In the end, the success of a virtual sales event lies not just in the technology used or the sales techniques employed, but in the value provided to the attendees. As the saying goes, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” You can ensure that your virtual sales events succeed by providing valuable content and a memorable event experience.

Moreover, the shift to virtual sales events is not a temporary trend but a reflection of the changing business landscape. As more businesses embrace remote work, virtual sales events will continue to play a crucial role in sales strategies. Therefore, mastering the art of hosting successful virtual sales events is not just beneficial but necessary for businesses to thrive in the digital age.

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Joel Yi

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July 19, 2023
To Get the Most Out of Business Events, Focus on These 2 Things | Entrepreneur

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Business events are super lucrative for entrepreneurs, at least for the ones who come with the right mindset. Others, though, sometimes leave feeling great — but if you audit their progress, little to no forward movement is made. So, what makes the difference between the one who yields fruit and the one who doesn’t?

From past experience, I’ve been both of these types of entrepreneurs, and it’s taken me time to learn how to make the most of the events I’ve attended. What I’ve come to realize is that events are full of stimulus.

Business events are full of tons of valuable information, incredible presentations, and great networking opportunities, but it’s the fact that there are so many valuable pieces that often scatter your focus instead of making you better.

Learning which pieces you’d like to gain and walking in with intention is most important. I’ve learned to direct my focus to two main actions that I’d like to accomplish during the event — by focusing on networking or taking away immediately actionable steps through the education at the event.

Related: 3 Types of Events Entrepreneurs Must Attend

How to make the most of networking at events

If your goal is networking and making valuable connections for your business, you’ll want to focus on creating deep, meaningful relationships.

First and foremost, be curious about who you’re talking to. Most often, you’re so concerned about talking about your own business that you might chase away the exact people you’d like to attract to your business.

Instead of focusing on yourself, be curious about what they do, who they are and what their goals in life are. Don’t just talk about business. Talk about their family, their interests and their passions. Show a genuine interest in who they are, and find the common threads that you share.

If the opportunity presents itself, speak about what you do and how much you enjoy it. Passion is contagious. Put the energy in to show your passion for what you do and how it makes you feel.

Most importantly, don’t be that guy or gal running around handing out business cards and moving on to the next person as if it’s a race to hand out a card to everyone in the room. Chances are those will just be thrown out, and you’ll never get the call you’re looking for.

Related: 8 Ways to Get the Most Out of Networking Events

How to make the most of the education from events

Events often have high-level speakers who share valuable information. A lot of the time, it can be so much valuable information that you could never take action on all of it. So, what should you do in that situation?

First, I’ll research speakers beforehand if I know who’s going to be speaking. I figure out what they teach and what I need most. I had a friend once say, “I’d much rather have just-in-time information instead of just-in-case information.” Of course, competency is important for your business, and continuing education is popular in many industries for a reason. But it’s easy to get led astray by shiny objects at an event.

Figure out what you need most in your business and who will teach about it. Select a few people who you’ll be able to focus on intently, and take diligent notes on their teachings.

Plan the time that you’ll implement the strategies, and do it in a strategic way so that you’ll be able to measure the results. If possible, take detailed enough notes so a team member can implement some of the other actions you’d like to take.

Most importantly, don’t get caught up with the shiny objects and get pulled off course. Directed focus is your number one asset.

Bonus tips

There are a couple of other things you can do to leave a lasting impression on the people you meet at business events. Dressing well is important. The impression people get of you when they first see you is a lasting one. Dress the part, and look sharp.

Remember names as best as you can. Try to prime your memory of them by placing something else that you associate them within your memory and saying their names a couple of times in your head while associating that thing with them in your memory.

Most importantly, remember to be yourself. People will pick up on fakeness — it’s easy to want to impress people and be someone you’re not. The most important thing is to remember to be yourself and look to create deep, meaningful connections without being fake or lying about who you are.

Related: 3 Ways to Get More Business From Your Next Networking Event

These events can be an extremely valuable place to grow your business, find partners and learn information that will change your business. It’s easy to get overwhelmed and spin your wheels instead of gaining the traction you’re looking for.

If you can show genuine interest, build rapport and focus on specific, actionable steps you’d like to accomplish when leaving, you’ll see the benefits you’re looking for from attending.

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Trevor Cowley

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July 17, 2023
5 Surprising Benefits of Professional Networking | Entrepreneur

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For those yet to understand its value, professional networking can often be viewed as a necessary evil — something you must do to build your career or grow your business. Networking has long been recognized as an essential element of building a career, establishing oneself in a community or growing a business. But the benefits and impact of professional networking go far beyond simply making connections.

Professional networking can open doors that may have previously been inaccessible, expand your thinking and allow you to innovate, making it one of the smartest investments you will ever make. Here are some of the surprising benefits of professional networking:

Related: How Networking Can Increase Your Business’ Net Worth

1. Access to new opportunities

One of the most obvious benefits of networking is access to new opportunities, but just how valuable these opportunities can be is often overlooked. Whether you’re looking for a new job, seeking investors for your business or looking for new clients or customers, networking can help you get your foot in the door. By building relationships with others, especially those outside your usual sphere of influence, you’ll have access to a wealth of opportunities that you may previously not have been able to access or tap into.

2. Learning and development

Networking is not just about making connections — it is also about learning, developing and expanding your perspective. By attending events, participating in forums and discussion boards and connecting with others, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from others and expand your knowledge and expertise. The best networking comes from meeting people who have a unique perspective to your own. You may even find a mentor or coach to help you grow your skills and achieve your goals.

3. Building your reputation and brand

Networking can also help you build your reputation and brand. By attending events and participating in online communities, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your expertise and skills and cultivate a positive reputation. The more people who have positive interactions with you and identify you as a knowledgeable person with which they can build rapport, the more likely you are to have increased visibility, more clients or customers, and even more opportunities. People often say they do not invest in a business, they invest in a person. Your reputation and brand are often considered one of the cornerstones of success and a deciding factor for many people choosing to do business with you.

Related: Why Networking Is a Must for Successful Entrepreneurs

4. Emotional support

Building a professional network is not just about business — it’s also about building relationships with others who understand the challenges, stresses, highs and lows of your field. Many business leaders struggle with feelings of loneliness while running their businesses. By connecting with others, you’ll have access to emotional support and camaraderie, which can be invaluable for your mental health and well-being, and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from others and potentially avoid stressful or costly mistakes. No person is an island, and there truly is no reason to go it alone, especially with so many people on a similar journey to your own. Feeling supported enables us to push our boundaries and navigate difficult times more effectively.

5. Increased confidence and self-esteem

One of the most impactful unexpected benefits of networking is the profound positive impact on your confidence and self-esteem. The more time spent networking and communicating with others, the more significant this impact will be. By curating meaningful connections with others, you’ll likely feel more confident in your abilities and more secure in your career or business.

You may even find new opportunities or ideas that were previously unconsidered, which can boost your confidence and help you grow. From speaking to a wide range of people from different levels and fields, you subconsciously increase your experience and expertise in presenting, public speaking and maintaining positive interactions, enabling you to adapt to social situations and opportunities to discuss ideas.

To maximize the benefits of networking, it is important to approach it strategically and meaningfully. This means setting clear goals, identifying people of interest and developing a plan to build and nurture relationships over time. It is important that you are authentic and transparent in your interactions with others and follow up regularly to maintain and strengthen relationships as they grow. Relationships generally cannot be built overnight, and although there will be instances where you and another individual hit it off right away, most relationships will take time and patience.

The benefits and impact of professional networking go far beyond just making connections. Networking can help you access new opportunities, learn and develop your skills, build your reputation and brand, find emotional support and increase your confidence and self-esteem. By ensuring networking remains a priority, you’ll have access to a wealth of resources and support to help you achieve your goals and thrive.

Related: Why Building Your Network Is More Important Than Ever

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Keith West

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April 17, 2023
Why Networking Is a Must for Successful Entrepreneurs | Entrepreneur
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Despite its widespread recognition as a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, many individuals still struggle to use networking effectively. Starting and running a business can be both exhilarating and intimidating, and it’s easy for founders to get consumed by the day-to-day tasks of running their company. Personally, it wasn’t until I started dedicating time and effort to building my network that I realized the full potential of what my business could achieve.

After devoting time to connecting with other entrepreneurs, I established valuable relationships with potential investors who believed in my business and provided the necessary support and funding to take it to the next level. I’m sure building a network of connections is not just an optional activity for entrepreneurs but a vital tool that can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and growth. Here are some tips on organizing your network effectively and with minimal time consumption.

Related: Want to Earn Trust? Don’t Break Any of These 4 Links in the Chain of Credibility.

So, what can one get from networking?

There is a specificity of networking among entrepreneurs – it appears to be much more effective. People in our community are often aware of the benefits that connection can bring and are more readily open to building mutually beneficial relationships, which is done by:
1. Establishing valuable connections with potential investors. I list this opportunity as the most important because finding investments is indeed one of the most challenging tasks for an entrepreneur. The personal connection allows you to build relationships with individuals who can provide support much more effectively than reaching out to them as a “cold” audience.
2. Expanding your knowledge and learning from other founders and professionals. Exchanging best practices with people who are not your direct competitors but are present in the same region as you are or have a similar type of business in another market provides you with precious insights. You can learn from their experiences, pick up new ideas, and stay up-to-date on industry trends.
3. Gaining access to partnerships and collaborations. In the case of B2B, people are four times more likely to purchase a solution from someone they know themselves or their friends recommended. So being open to new connections may significantly broaden your business opportunities.
4. Building your personal brand and increasing business exposure. Apart from helping you at the moment, establishing a connection with someone can be extremely beneficial for you later on. The chance of that is higher the more you show your expertise and interact. You never know what will happen with the person you once met at a conference — maybe they will launch a successful business or become famous someday.
Without establishing connections, each of these actions might take much longer and be more challenging. But when you get to know the person who can help you, you will reach your goals almost naturally.

Related: 3 Powerful Networking Strategies that Never Fail

How to make networking most effective

The main thing to understand about networking is that it’s a two-way street. To be truly effective, it must be mutually beneficial for both parties involved. It’s not enough to be confident when approaching others, which is probably the most common advice for those looking to master this skill. To make the most of your networking efforts, it’s important to focus on building strong relationships, which requires dedicated time and effort.

So, when choosing who to network with, it’s important to consider what you can offer in return. Think about the skills and expertise you can share, and seek out individuals who you can help and who can help you. Building relationships based on mutual respect and a give-and-take mentality will result in stronger, more meaningful connections. For example, it’s a bad idea to start the connection by asking for help. Rather, I prefer to explain how I can help the person and why the relationship would be mutually beneficial.

One way to build strong relationships is to dedicate time each week to focus specifically on helping others. For me, it’s two hours weekly, during which I interact with people exclusively to help them. For example, have lunch with an entrepreneur who contacts you on LinkedIn or participate in an event organized by someone you know.

Of course, it’s impossible to contact everyone, so one should focus on the potential value they will get. If a person contacts you first, I suggest you create a set of rules to follow when thinking of them or not. Personally, I pay attention to the following:
- The size of the business: Founders of early-stage startups will find business books more useful for themselves and are unlikely to help me in return.
- The industry: As an EdTech entrepreneur, I usually agree to meet people within the industry. However, this approach may vary depending on your goals and amount of free time.
Make it easier for you

Networking can be challenging for entrepreneurs for a variety of reasons. Some may feel intimidated approaching new people, or some may find it ineffective. However, the most common challenge is that one may have limited time and resources to dedicate to networking activities, making it difficult to balance with other responsibilities. By following these tips, you can reap the benefits of investing in networking:
1. Start by participating in industry events and conferences, even if you won’t be attending with the intention of networking. Taking part in them allows you to showcase your expertise and thought leadership in your respective industry. This can increase your exposure and help build your personal brand, which, in turn, affects your network pretty directly. When starting my business and drawing attention to it through public speeches, I underestimated its impact on networking. But then I found that many people who later helped me a lot came to me on their own.
2. Practice with friends. If you’re feeling nervous about meeting new people, start by modeling networking with friends and family. We usually give the same advice to salespeople who are afraid to call their clients at first: this helps build their confidence and gives them a solid foundation to reach out to new contacts. I’m sure there is no book or simple rule that will help one overcome fear without practicing, even in an artificial environment.
3. Utilize LinkedIn and other social media platforms. If you’re unable or prefer not to network in person, LinkedIn is a valuable resource for connecting with others in your field. First of all, it has the same effect on the industry: it’s a great platform to share your expertise. Many underestimate how powerful a connection on the platform can be: for example, it once allowed me to reach out and negotiate calls with all the largest EdTechs in India within just one week!
4. Don’t underestimate other people’s connections. If you fail to reach a person, ask the people you know to recommend you or get to know them to connect you with your target person. For example, when I fail to reach a venture organization, I try to connect to representatives of their portfolio companies, provide suggestions, and then ask them to connect me with the organization. Guess what? This works extremely effectively, even if it’s just via LinkedIn.
These easy techniques will help you utilize your time most effectively without investing too much effort.

Related: 3 Steps to Make Networking Easier

Never stop expanding your network.

Networking is a critical tool for entrepreneurs looking to grow and succeed in their businesses. Only by investing time and effort into building strong relationships can you unlock the full potential of your business. The broader your network is, the more opportunities you gain, and the more time you have to find them. Starting may be challenging, but it will become natural eventually.
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Roman Kumar Vyas

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March 20, 2023