How to Make the Most of Networking Events (Even If You’re an Introvert Like Me)
Jul 21, 2025
I’m fresh off a jam-packed spring season—seven events in May alone. (Would I recommend that many? Absolutely not. 0/10 for energy, but 10/10 for growth.)
And while I won’t be repeating that level of intensity anytime soon, I did walk away with a few powerful reminders about what it means to really maximize the events we say yes to. Whether you’ve got a conference on the books, a local networking night coming up, or you're just thinking about dipping your toe back into in-person community—I hope this post helps you walk into the room with more confidence and intention.
Why I Go to Events (Hint: It’s Not Just for the Content)
Don’t get me wrong, a great speaker lineup can absolutely be a draw—but most of the time, I’m there for one thing: the people.
When I’m choosing which events to attend, I always ask myself:
- Are the people in this room potential clients?
- Are they the kind of humans who could open doors for me through introductions, referrals, or collaborations?
- Could this lead to a new opportunity for This Mother Means Business—like a sponsor, a speaking gig, or a new friend?
And yes, sometimes I attend to see how others run their events so I can bring even more magic into my own experiences. (If you’ve been to a TMMB event, you know I’m obsessed with the details.)
Here’s the Deal: Events Are Only Worth It If You Show Up
I’m going to be honest: I’m an introvert. I have practiced showing up in rooms. I’ve learned how to navigate the discomfort, because I also know the massive potential that exists when you stop hiding and start connecting.
One of my earliest memories of networking was watching my friend Bianca—who now runs Edelman Canada—work the room effortlessly. I, on the other hand, would cling to her side like a lifeline because starting conversations felt so unnatural. But I watched. I practiced. And eventually, I built that muscle myself.
Now, I want to share a few things that help me maximize every single event I attend (without burning out):
💡 6 Tips to Maximize Any Networking Event
1. Show up early.
If the event starts at 11, arrive at 10. That first hour is golden for meeting people before the programming begins.
2. Be the most interested person in the room.
You don’t need to be the most interesting. Ask better questions. Be curious. People remember how you made them feel.
3. Gamify your networking.
Set a goal—like 10 new connections per hour or 3 post-event coffee chats. Make it fun. Make it a challenge.
4. Don’t just collect contacts—connect.
I don’t speed-walk through conversations. I make time for real ones. And I follow up. Every. Single. Time.
5. Plan your targets.
Are you there to meet speakers? Sponsors? Attendees? Get clear on who you’re there to connect with—and make it happen.
6. Track and follow up.
After every event, I let my team know who I met and when. That follow-up? That’s where the gold is. Don’t leave it on the table.
A Note to the Ones Hiding in the Corner…
If you’ve ever been to a big event and spent the whole day sitting at the back of the room—or talking only to the friend you came with—I see you. I’ve been you. And I want you to know: you’re missing out.
The right room can spark your next idea. It can introduce you to your next client. Or it can simply remind you that you’re not building this business alone.
So if you’ve got an event coming up:
✨ Show up early
✨ Ask curious questions
✨ Follow up with care
✨ And let yourself be seen
If you don’t have any events on the calendar yet, consider this your sign. Find one. Or host your own. You don’t need 100 people in the room—you just need the right ones.
