9 Steps to Stand Out at Networking Events

Discover 9 practical steps to stand out at networking events – from preparation to follow-up – and make a lasting impression that boosts your connections.

Introduction 

When it comes to growth no matter personal or professional, Networking is one of the most powerful tools. Whether you're looking to land your next opportunity, grow your startup, or simply build meaningful connections, standing out at networking events can make all the difference. With the right strategies, you can turn simple conversations into lasting relationships that open doors you never imagined.

Networking events might seem daunting, but they are worth the effort. About 85% of jobs are filled through networking, and 70% of openings are never advertised publicly​. Even big companies have launched via networking – Google’s founders secured their first $100,000 investment after a chance meeting with Sun Microsystems co-founder Andy Bechtolsheim​ through Networking. So, let's learn to stand out at Networking events and grab the limelight you deserve.

How to Impress at a Networking Event?

To impress: dress well, be punctual, greet others warmly (smile, firm handshake, eye contact), show genuine interest by asking questions, and be polite.

How to Be Confident at a Networking Event?

To build confidence: prepare a brief self-introduction and ice-breaker questions in advance, start by chatting one-on-one to warm up, remember many others are nervous too, and fake it till you make it by smiling and standing tall.

By following these steps, you’ll find you can stand out at networking events for all the right reasons. With preparation, confidence, and sincere interest in others, networking can become less daunting and far more rewarding. Each conversation is a chance to build a relationship – and you never know which one could lead to your next big opportunity.

Lets understand Networking with 9 steps to help you shine at your next networking event and form valuable connections:

9 Steps to Stand Out at Networking Events

1. Research the Event and Participants

Do your homework before you go. If you can get a list of attendees or companies, identify who you want to meet and learn a bit about them​. Coming in with background knowledge arms you with talking points and shows you’re proactive and genuinely interested.

2. Bring a Memorable Business Card

Carry a well-designed business card that people will remember. If you don’t have a company, create a personal card with your name, contact info, and LinkedIn. You can even use a digital card just like a fellow founder card (QR code or NFC tag) to share your details quickly. The goal is to leave each person with a tangible reminder of you.

3. Arrive Early

Aim to get there 10–15 minutes early. Fewer people around makes it easier to strike up conversations before tight clusters form. Use that time to warm up by chatting with other early birds or even the organizers.

4. Approach Open Groups

Look for open body language – for example, two people standing slightly apart, leaving room for a third person​. Walk up with a friendly smile and introduce yourself (“Hi, may I join you?”). Most will welcome you if you appear polite and confident. Taking the initiative to join a group shows you’re approachable.

5. Master the Handshake and Posture

First impressions count. Greet with a firm handshake (match the other person’s grip​) and make eye contact. Stand up straight and avoid crossing your arms. Smile when appropriate. When your body language exudes confidence and warmth, others will be more comfortable engaging with you.

6. Use Eye Contact and Smile

Maintaining eye contact shows interest and confidence. Nearly 100% of professionals say in-person meetings (with eye contact) build stronger relationships than other methods​. So look at the person you’re speaking with (not at your phone or the floor), and give a sincere smile to appear friendly and approachable​.

7. Listen More Than You Talk

Make others feel heard. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to the answers. People love to talk about themselves, so encourage them to share​. Avoid interrupting or constantly steering the conversation back to yourself. By listening intently and showing curiosity, you’ll be remembered as a thoughtful conversationalist.

8. Don’t Hard-Sell – Build Rapport

Resist the urge to launch into a sales pitch. Networking is about building relationships, not making an instant sale. Executives say they’d lose about 28% of their business if they stopped networking​. Keep conversations light and exploratory. Focus on finding common ground and offering help or insights, not pushing your agenda​. A genuine connection now can lead to opportunities later.

9. Follow Up After the Event

This final step is crucial. Within a day or two, send a short, personalized follow-up to the people you met. Mention something you discussed (“Enjoyed talking about X...”) to jog their memory. If you connect on LinkedIn, include a note – a generic invite may be ignored, but a personal note stands out​. Very few people follow up, so doing this will immediately set you apart. But the best option is to network on Fellow Founder, where you can not just share a memory, but much more than that without looking forceful. 

Fellow Founder – Best Networking Platform for Entrepreneurs

For entrepreneurs, a tool like Fellow Founder can supercharge your networking. Fellow Founder is a digital business card and networking app that lets you share your profile instantly and organize contacts for easy follow-up. Your profile on Fellow Founder is designed to exhibit your passion, status, dreams & goals. In essence, it handles exchanging information with likeminded people and tracking new connections, so you can focus on conversations and never lose touch with people you meet.

Conclusion

Networking can open doors you never expected if approached right. By using these strategies and platforms like Fellow Founder, you can truly stand out at networking events. Remember, genuine connections fuel growth. Stay prepared, stay confident, and let every event be an opportunity to build your dreams!

FAQs About Stand Out at Networking Events

1. What should I say when introducing myself at a networking event?

Keep it short and engaging—mention your name, what you do, and what you're looking to connect about.

2. How can I remember people I meet at events?

Take quick notes after conversations or use digital tools like Fellow Founder to log connections and key takeaways instantly.

3. What if I'm an introvert and find networking overwhelming?

Start with smaller groups or one-on-one chats, and prepare conversation starters in advance to ease anxiety.

4. How soon should I follow up after a networking event?

Ideally within 24–48 hours—this keeps the connection fresh and shows genuine interest.