I believe in networking. Absolutely.
But I also believe that networking is a skill. And like any skill worth having, it takes practice, confidence and a little bit of courage.
I’ve spent more than 40 years in business, and I can tell you that some of the greatest opportunities I’ve had haven’t come from a glossy presentation, a clever marketing campaign or a perfectly crafted business proposal.
They’ve come from people.
A conversation at an event. An introduction over dinner. Someone remembering something I said six months earlier and picking up the phone.
But here’s the thing. Those moments don’t happen entirely by accident.
You have to put yourself in the room.
And once you’re there, you have to know what to do with the opportunity.
The art of networking: how to work a room
I’ve hosted hundreds of events over the years, from intimate dinners to extraordinary celebrations attended by some of the world’s most influential people.
And one thing I’ve learnt is that the most successful person in the room isn’t necessarily the loudest, the wealthiest or the one with the most impressive job title.
It’s often the person who knows how to make other people feel interesting.
That’s a skill.
I can walk into a room full of strangers and strike up a conversation. Not because I’m naturally fearless, but because I’ve learnt how to do it. I’ve learnt how to read people, find common ground and recognise when someone wants to talk business and when they’d rather discuss their latest holiday.
And, importantly, I’ve learnt when to stop talking.
Because networking isn’t about delivering your life story to everyone unfortunate enough to be standing next to you at the bar.
It’s about listening.
Networking confidence is something you practise
I meet so many talented business people who dread networking.
They’ll happily lead a team, negotiate a contract or present to a boardroom, but ask them to walk into a drinks reception alone and suddenly they’d rather be anywhere else.
I understand it. Walking into a room where everyone appears to know everyone else can be intimidating.
But confidence doesn’t arrive beautifully wrapped with a bow on top. You build it.
My advice? Do your homework. Know who’s likely to be there. Have something interesting to say. Be curious. And don’t spend the entire evening glued to the one person you already know.
You don’t need to collect 20 business cards. In fact, I’d rather leave an event having made two meaningful connections than 20 conversations that nobody remembers the following morning.
And please, put your phone away.
Nothing says ‘don’t talk to me’ quite like staring at a screen while standing in the middle of a room full of interesting people.
Successful networking doesn’t end when you leave the room.
Here’s where I think people get networking spectacularly wrong.
They go to an event, meet someone interesting, exchange details and then do absolutely nothing.
What a waste.
The introduction is only the beginning.
A thoughtful message the following day. An article you think they’d enjoy. An introduction to someone who could help their business. A coffee without an agenda.
These are the things that turn a brief encounter into a relationship.
And relationships are what sustain a business.
I’ve built my career on trust, reputation and personal connections. People have supported me, recommended me and opened doors because we’ve taken the time to get to know one another.
Not because I’ve asked them for something every time we’ve spoken.
The best relationships are built long before you need them.
Be memorable for the right reasons
I often talk about the importance of creating an experience, whether that’s for a hotel guest, a corporate client or someone attending an event.
Networking is no different.
How do you make someone feel when they meet you?
Do you give them your attention? Do you remember their name? Do you make them laugh? Do they leave the conversation feeling better than when they arrived?
That’s what people remember.
I’ve always believed that everyone is somebody. Treat them that way.
The person you meet today might become a client, a collaborator, a friend or someone who changes the direction of your career. Equally, they might never do business with you at all.
That doesn’t make the conversation any less valuable.
Never underestimate the power of showing up
We live in a world where it’s possible to build an entire professional network without ever leaving your desk.
LinkedIn is brilliant. I use it. It opens doors and creates connections that would once have been impossible.
But it doesn’t replace looking someone in the eye, shaking their hand and having a proper conversation.
There is an energy in a room that you simply cannot replicate on a screen.
And as someone who has spent a lifetime bringing people together, I know the value of that energy.
Networking has helped me build businesses, create opportunities and develop relationships that have lasted decades.
But it isn’t about being seen at every event or knowing everyone in the room.
It’s about knowing how to connect with people and having the confidence to make that first move.
Networking is the skill. Relationships are the reward. And one without the other is a missed opportunity.
Let’s Start a Conversation
Whether you’re looking for a speaker who can bring energy, experience and a little straight talking to your next event, or someone to host a conversation that really gets people thinking, I’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about working with me at Liz Taylor Consultancy.
