--- title: "How To Make The Most Out Of A Networking Event" url: https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/how-make-most-out-networking-event/ --- 1. [HOME](/) 2. [RESOURCES](/content-hub/) 3. [LEARNING RESOURCES](/content-hub/learning-resources/) 4. HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF A NETWORKING EVENT ![How To Make The Most Out Of A Networking](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/smajli.max-1500x500.jpg) GLOBAL• ENTERPRISE • MEDIA & TELECOMMUNICATIONS ## How To Make The Most Out Of A Networking Event Ilma Ibrišević FEBRUARY 6, 2019 A big part of being an entrepreneur is networking. While important for everyone in the business world, the process of sharing information with relevant business contacts is particularly valuable for startups. Networking with investors, media, prospective business partners, employees, and customers is key to succeeding in the startup space. #### WRITTEN BY ![None](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Ilma_Ibrisevic.max-376x376.jpg) Ilma Ibrišević [CONTACT US]() Although some entrepreneurs out there attribute their success to luck, savvy startups know that real business opportunity is created through hard work and consistently showing up in the right place at the right time. Many startup founders find business networking stressful, but with a little bit of preparation beforehand, anyone can make valuable business contacts. Here are our top networking tips to make the most out of a networking event: ## **01\. Find the right place** Although networking is the way to go, it’s important to go to networking events that are the right fit for your startup. Ask yourself if the _right_ kind of people will be attending and then assess if the event is worthy of your investment of time and money. Do not just attend networking events for the sake of it, and keep your expectations realistic. Events enable you to meet many different people, but that’s just the beginning. To create meaningful connections, you need to get yourself out there, ask questions, jump on opportunities, and make sure you keep showing up at all the right places. While serendipitous business encounters can happen anywhere and anytime, it’s best for startups, that are often short on time, to attend events specifically designed to meet their learning and networking needs. ![coffee](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/coffee.width-800.jpg) ## ## **02\. Do your research** Perhaps the most important on this list, doing research prior to attending a networking event is crucial. Here are a couple of practical tips: * Understand who are the ‘right’ people for your startup (e.g. investors, partners, team members, co-founders etc.). For example, check the portfolios of investors attending the event and see if you would work well together or check LinkedIn profiles of potential team members to see if their skills are what you need at the moment. This ensures you approach the right people and optimizes your time. * Gather information on potential investors, media contacts, and other attendees you are interested in, on the event website - if available. * If any of your prospects have an active online presence, subscribe to their newsletters or YouTube channels. Likewise, if they have published books or articles - take some time to read those. [ _Are you willing to enrich your network with valuable connections, learn, and meet change-makers from all over the world? Don 't miss your opportunity and get your ticket to the Seedstars Summit happening on the 5th of April in Lausanne, Switzerland!_](https://www.seedstarsworld.com/summit/) _ _ * Make a note of the myriad of networking formats that particular event likely offers. This way, you will stay on top of where you can go to network. For example, the[Seedstars Summit](https://www.seedstarsworld.com/summit/?utm_source=articleaboutnetworking&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=exp22) includes one-on-one meetings with mentors and investors, Entrepreneur Party, etc.) * Take notes of the interesting facts about your prospects, so you could bring these up in a conversation and tie them to your startup’s value proposition. ![notes](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/notes.width-800.jpg) ## ## **03\. Create a plan and set goals** You know networking matters and you have done your research. However, when you get to the event - you are at a loss. This is where strategic goal setting and planning come into play. * **Have goals:** Think about how this event can help your startup move forward. If it helps you stay motivated, set goals for yourself (e.g. how many people you want to meet or how many meetings you want to book). * **Have a list of individuals you want to connect to:** Make sure each person is a relevant contact. * **Create an outreach plan:** Brainstorm ideas on how you are going to introduce yourself and start conversations. If you want to go the extra mile, you could plan precisely when and how you are going to reach out to each prospect. You could even write down a key value proposition/point of interest per person. * **Have your business cards ready:** Nowadays, digital business cards are more and more popular. There are tons of [platforms](https://magneticonemobile.com/6-top-digital-business-card-apps/) out there that you can use to create your own digital business card. Not only are they more convenient, but they are also more environmentally friendly. Naturally, some of the most important encounters happen serendipitously and there’s only so much time a founder has to prepare prior to an event, but planning and preparation for business networking matter nevertheless. ![hi](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/hi.width-800.jpg) ## ## **04\. Reach out before the event** Reaching out to your prospect before the event can help you stand out and will maximize your chances of success, especially as there might be many others vying for their attention. One of the most effective ways to reach out to a prospect, an [investor](https://www.seedstars.com/magazine/how-successfully-pitch-your-startup-idea-investors-event/) for example, is to get an introduction.Use LinkedIn to find people who can introduce you to your prospect, or if you’re feeling brave - reach out to them directly. Using LinkedIn also allows you to obtain crucial information that you can use in conversations (e.g. previous workplaces, interests, accomplishments, and more). Additionally, many events use apps to deliver more personalized and immersive experiences to their attendees. At Seedstars, for example, we have developed our own [event app](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.seedstars.community&hl=en_US) that helps startups connect to other entrepreneurs and investors. C2 Montréal, the international conference on commerce, even used R.F.I.D. technology (Radio Frequency Identification - unlike barcodes, which must be scanned, RFID chips can be read in rough proximity to a scanner) to provide alerts for attendees when they were close to people they wanted to meet. If the event you’re attending uses an app, make sure to sign up and gain access to all the networking opportunities that are right for you. ![Insta](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/insta.width-800.jpg) ## ## **05\. Engage on social media** Before the event, engage with your prospects on social media. Consider retweeting, liking, reposting, and pinning their content. If they conduct them, participate in their live video-streaming sessions (plus promote and live-tweet them). During the event, engage on social media using the event hashtags. Post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, always using the hashtag in your posts. Not only does engaging on social media in this way allow you to showcase your expertise, but it also provides an opportunity to arrange to meet some of your prospects during [coffee breaks](https://www.seedstars.com/magazine/how-successfully-pitch-your-startup-idea-investors-event/), meals, or even after the event is over. ![what](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/what.width-800.jpg) ## ## **06\. You are your product** When networking, you are the face of your startup. You are what the investors will see first, before they even hear anything about your product/service. And first impressions count, a lot. Research shows that within the first seven seconds of meeting people will have a solid impression of who you are — and some research suggests a tenth of a second is all it takes to start determining traits like trustworthiness. Be enthusiastic, but not over the top. Be knowledgeable and go for what you want, but do not come across as aggressive. Speaking slowly and deliberately is a sign of confidence, as is good posture. Adriana Collini, [Seedstars](https://www.seedstars.com/) Senior Investment Associate, highlighted the importance of showing interest in the other person and what they are doing so that you can understand how to help them reach their goals. Small things like dressing for the occasion and smiling in the first few seconds of greeting someone can really make an impact on the first impression. Body language can work wonders when you wish to build long-lasting connections and partnerships at events. Your online presence matters too. Comb through your online profiles to make sure that they portray a realistic, but a positive image of your brand. ![phone](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/phone.width-800.jpg) ## ## **07\. Stay connected** One of the most important aspects of successful networking is the follow up. Adriana Collini suggested to take notes on the business cards immediately upon receiving them from new contacts. This will help you phrase better follow up emails. Follow up within 24 hours and then regularly after the initial meeting - and don’t (always) ask for something. A quick email checking in every now and then will certainly pay dividends in the long run. If possible, make a point every so often to grab lunch or coffee with your contact. When you meet, try and take the time to see how the two of you can help each other. Networking is all about doing your homework, understanding where to be and who are the right people to meet, and engaging with your contacts before, during, and after the event. It’s about showing up strategically but authentically. Whether you’re an extrovert - thriving in high-stimuli environments like events, or an introvert - for whom networking can be a source of terror, networking can work for you. If you’re an extrovert, use that to your advantage. If you’re an introvert, prepare in advance to reduce anxiety, and perhaps choose the type of networking space wisely (e.g. choose one-on-one meetings and small group discussions over big open-space networking). Business in this day and age is all about relationships, so investing in creating meaningful business relationships with your contacts is essential. ARTICLE THEORY OF CHANGE GLOBAL ÅLAND ISLANDS ENTERPRISE MEDIA & TELECOMMUNICATIONS ENTERPRISE NETWORKING ## More like this [ ![Green startups in Asia](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/greenstartups.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES #### Can Green Startups in Asia Help Mitigate Climate Change? The Metronome, the famous Manhattan digital clock in Union Square, started the countdown to the next climate disaster. Oct. 19, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-green-startups-asia-help-mitigate-climate-change/) [ ![Entrepreneurs in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Entrepreneurs_in_Africa.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER #### Designing Virtual Learning Opportunities for Entrepreneurs in Africa [Q&A] If we say that COVID-19 has changed the world, it would be an understatement. COVID-19 disrupted our world. Oct. 16, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/designing-virtual-learning-opportunities-entrepreneurs-africa-q/) [ ![Vocational Training](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Vocational_Training_.max-320x550.jpg) AFRICA • EDUCATION & CONSULTING #### Can Vocational Training Help the African Economy Soar to New Heights? When the time comes to make career choices, modern young people suddenly find themselves in a seismically active world, where rock-solid paradigms are cracking, new normals are forming, and opportunities are flowing like lava. Sep. 18, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/can-vocational-training-help-african-economy-soar-new-heights/) [ ![Tracking KPIs is crucial for ensuring that your start-up dream stays on track](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Measuring_KPIs.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • INVESTMENT #### 5 Simple Mistakes Start-ups Can Avoid When Measuring KPIs Despite some fantastic ideas, brilliant products and passionate owners, it’s a sad fact that most start-ups never make it to their third year. Jun. 05, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/5-simple-mistakes-start-ups-can-avoid-when-measuring-kpis/) [ ![Seedstars Index](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Efficient_Tool.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • ECOSYSTEM ENABLER #### New Seedstars Index: Efficient Tool for Data-Driven Decision Making The Seedstars Index (SSI) has been fully reworked for the 2020 edition with the aim of achieving a higher quality predictive indicator for the success of an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Why SSI is a powerful tool for data-driven decision making: Apr. 22, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/new-seedstars-index-efficient-tool-data-driven-decision-making/) [ ![Prepare Younger Generations](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Bridging_the_Gap_How_to_Prepare_Younger_Ge.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • OTHER #### Bridging the Gap: How to Prepare Younger Generations to the Future of Work Access without quality undermines investments in the sector and yields limited gains. Ivory Coast, and the continent more broadly, has witnessed an increase of the school attendance rates Apr. 01, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/bridging-gap-how-prepare-younger-generations-future-work/) [ ![Country of Innovation](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/switzerland.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • URBAN DEVELOPMENT #### How Switzerland Won Its Title of the Country of Innovation What makes Switzerland unique? How did the country manage to become the global leader in innovation? Mar. 16, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/how-switzerland-won-its-title-country-innovation/) [ ![Being a Better Leader](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Better_Leader.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • HR #### Being a Better Leader: 5 Skills Founders Have to Learn to Survive Their First Year It's not all doom and gloom. Founders have to realize that setting up a business is hard, but also that most challenges can be surpassed if tackled with the right mindset and skills. Mar. 12, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/being-better-leader-5-skills-founders-have-learn-survive-their-first-year/) [ ![Civic Tech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/C-Civic_Tech_Building_More_Transparent_Socie.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • URBAN DEVELOPMENT #### Civic Tech: Building More Transparent Societies in Developing Countries Our society is at a tipping point. Consequently, there is an urgent need for developing sustainable economic and social solutions for change. This is where transparency comes in. Feb. 27, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/civic-tech-building-more-transparent-societies-developing-countries/) [ ![African startup funding](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_8.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### Future bright as african tech startup funding grows Africa has long lagged behind the rest of the world when it comes to investment, even in the continent’s most exciting tech areas. Feb. 23, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/future-bright-african-tech-startup-funding-grows/) [ ![Agritech in Africa](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/agritech.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • AGRICULTURE #### Agritech in Africa: Paving The Way For a New Era in Farming Imagine a drone flying 100 metres over a section of Nigerian farmland, taking infrared pictures that will then tell the farmer if his crops are suffering from a disease – up to 10 days before the damage is visible to the naked eye. Jan. 10, 2020 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/agritech-africa-paving-way-new-era-farming/) [ ![Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Omar_Christidis.max-320x550.jpg) MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Overview of the Entrepreneurial Landscape in MENA by Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet [Interview] Recently, we had a chance to talk to Omar Christidis, CEO of Arabnet Dec. 09, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/overview-entrepreneurial-landscape-mena-omar-christidis-ceo-arabnet-interview/) [ ![Fighting Trash - Myanmar](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/waste.max-320x550.png) ASIA • ENERGY & NATURAL RESOURCES #### Fighting Trash: How Myanmar Is Tackling the Waste Problem in the Country? At the forefront of the Myanmar waste discussion, the historic nation grapples with managing unwanted products like plastic and food Oct. 28, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fighting-trash-how-myanmar-tackling-waste-problem-country/) [ ![Migrant Workers](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/passport-thumbnail.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY #### Migrant Workers: Four Ideas On How Technology Can Support Skills Mobility In this article, we will focus on the question of mobility skills, because building the right framework and policies to enable the movement of people is primordial for a sustainable economy and social wellbeing of the world’s population. Oct. 22, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/migrant-workers-four-ideas-how-technology-can-support-skills-mobility/) [ ![Ventureburn editor Stephen Timm spoke to Heyl on the role that developed countries can play](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/keyways.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • TECHNOLOGY #### Key Ways to Shape Africa's Tech Startup Sector: Media Perspective Heyl has also taken an undisclosed share in the company, which was founded in 2010 by the late media entrepreneur Matthew Buckland, who passed away in April. Jun. 25, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/key-ways-shape-africas-tech-startup-sector-media-perspective/) [ ![Technology and Entrepreneurship](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_24.max-320x550.png) AFRICA • GOVERNMENT #### Delivering Public Services Through Technology and Entrepreneurship The delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, sanitation and criminal justice, is a key task for any government. May. 14, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/delivering-public-services-through-technology-and-entrepreneurship/) [ ![Password Manager for Startups](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/password_manager.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES #### What Is a Password Manager, and Why Does Your Startup Need One When you’re running a startup, it goes without saying that you’ve got a lot on your plate: managing your team, updating all your social media channels, responding to user feedback. The list goes on. May. 09, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/what-password-manager-and-why-does-your-startup-need-one/) [ ![Fintech](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Untitled_design_20.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### Fintech and the Future of Your Money At the intersection of finance and technology lies a phenomenon that has been reshaping the world of money. The rise of the internet has brought about a high degree of disruption to almost all industries and financial services are no exception. Feb. 19, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/fintech-and-future-your-money/) [ ![Digital Health](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/digitalhealth.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • HEALTHCARE #### Digital Health: A Solution to Growing Problems in Healthcare The Healthtech industry spans a broad number of sub-sectors: hospitals and practitioners; insurance companies; consumer-facing services; pharmaceuticals; and government – to name a few. Feb. 19, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/digital-health-solution-growing-problems-healthcare/) [ ![LATAM Startup](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/chile4.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • INVESTMENT #### Chile — the Leading LATAM Startup Ecosystem Known for its numerous breathtaking landscapes, wineries, and abundance of copper, Chile is a country that has so much more to offer. Feb. 14, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/insights/chile-the-leading-latam-startup-ecosystem/) [ ![Proven Methodologies](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/proven_methodologies.max-320x550.png) GLOBAL • TECHNOLOGY #### Proven Methodologies for Delivering an Interactive Workshop in the Tech Industry Hosting a workshop at a conference or an event can be strenuous Feb. 06, 2019 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/learning-resources/proven-methodologies-delivering-interactive-workshop-tech-industry/) [ ![Have you ever been to Astana?](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/group.max-320x550.png) CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### The FinTech Stars Journey: An Insight on the Three-Month Acceleration Program Have you ever been to Astana? You would be surprised. Sky-high glass buildings, newly built smart quarters with entrances by a fingerprint scan, huge Expo area - firstly, a venue for the biggest Exposition “Future of Energy” Jul. 24, 2018 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/newsroom/fintech-stars-journey-insight-three-month-acceleration-program-july-24-2018/) [ ![Mega Cities in emerging markets](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/Mega_Cities_in_emerging_markets.max-320x550.jpg) GLOBAL • MOBILITY #### Mega Cities in emerging markets: what are the perspectives on Smart Mobility? By 2030, almost 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. The rapid growth of cities in the developing world, coupled with increasing urban migration, has led to a boom in mega-cities. Jul. 23, 2018 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/mega-cities-emerging-markets-what-are-perspectives-smart-mobility/) [ ![Blockchain, Diaspora & Talents](https://seedstars-com.s3.amazonaws.com/images/venezuela.max-320x550.png) LATIN AMERICA • FINANCIAL SERVICES #### Venezuela as we see it : Blockchain, Diaspora & Talents It took us 5 years to finally set a foot in Venezuela. Last Friday, we organised a meetup at Impact Hub, founded in 2013 by Claudia Valladares among others, who is the current director. May. 02, 2018 ](https://www.seedstars.com/content-hub/life/venezuela-we-see-it-blockchain-diaspora-talents/) --- ## Sitemap - [Sitemap](https://www.seedstars.com/sitemap.md): every public page on this site - [llms.txt](https://www.seedstars.com/llms.txt): what Seedstars does and where to start