Don’t be fooled by the high-end hospitality and fancy surrounds, networking events are the best business opportunities around. Before you book your Uber, here are our tried and true ways to be more VIP after you RSVP.



1.    Do your homework

Time is precious - don’t waste it by going to events where the demographic doesn’t suit you. Think about how synergistic the group is with what you do and what type of people will be there. If you opt to go, take a moment to learn more about the organizers and anyone else you expect to run into at the event.

2.     Come prepared

Have a few concise points ready about what you’re working on and an idea of what type of partnerships/connections you’re looking for, so you maximize your interactions at the event. You can ask your host to make a specific introduction if there’s someone there you really want to meet.

3.    Go solo

Showing up at any event alone may sound daunting, but without your best friend, significant other or co-worker, you will be more likely to meet new people. If you’re not into going alone, then fine, bring a plus 1, but one who will also want to network and DO NOT spend the entire time by his/her side. Got it?

4.    Introduce yourself

Hello, your name is… (see #2). You’re there to meet people, so don’t be worried about politely joining the conversation.

5.     Introduce other people

Introduce people you’ve known for ten years or for ten minutes. Loop anyone you know in on the conversation.

6.    Don’t get too tipsy

Need we elaborate? That said, if you’re arriving solo, finding the bar is a good move, whether or not you’re drinking alcohol. It’s a great place to make small talk (that, you hope of course turns into big talk) and casually introduce yourself. (see #4)

7.    Be nice to everyone

This should be a general rule for life, but in case you needed a friendly reminder. Help others with introductions. Go with an open, collaborative mindset and you’ll only benefit.

8.     Be nice to yourself

Even if you leave sans new job contract or new best friend, don’t feel like the event was a waste of time. You never know when an unlikely contact may arise from the event. Worst case scenario: you got some free champagne and met a nice man named Bob. It could have been worse.

9.    Take home a party favor

Ask the host to provide contact details of attendees after the event. You don’t need to carry around a stack of business cards (which are so retro anyway). Plus, it’s a great way to show your initiative and interest.

10. Follow up

Send a note to anyone of interest you met at the event (or even whose name pops up on the guest list that you didn’t get a chance to meet). Do this while it’s still very fresh in everyone’s minds and even take notes so you can go back and reference at a later date.