How to Choose the Right Networking Events (and Make Them Count)

When it comes to networking, one of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they need to be everywhere.
They treat it like a numbers game — more events, more contacts, more chances of success.

But here’s the truth: being strategic about where you spend your time makes a huge difference.

You don’t need to attend every breakfast, luncheon, or after-work mixer. What you really need is clarity — clarity about who you serve, who you want to meet, and where the most valuable connections are likely to be found.

Start with Your Ideal Client

Before you add another event to your calendar, take a moment to picture your ideal client.
What stage of life are they in? What challenges are they facing? What do they want most right now?

Once you have that picture, take it one step further:
Who else works with this same person — before, during, or after me?

That’s where your strategy truly begins to take shape.

Think Beyond Your Industry

Let’s take real estate as an example. Buying or selling a home isn’t just about a realtor — it’s an entire ecosystem of services working together.

A realtor might collaborate with:

• A mortgage broker

• A lawyer

• An insurance agent

But the circle doesn’t stop there. New homeowners might also need:

• A painter to refresh their walls,

• A plumber to fix a leak,

• A renovation company to customize their space, or

• A window covering specialist to add the finishing touch.

All of these professionals serve the same client, just in different ways.
That’s the power of thinking beyond your own role and understanding the full journey your client takes.

Build Your Referral Dream Team

Now, imagine intentionally building relationships with those complementary service providers — not just in a transactional “send me business” kind of way, but in a genuine, trust-based way.

You’d essentially be creating your own referral dream team.
Each of you shares a similar client base but provides a different solution.
Each of you can introduce the other naturally, knowing your clients will truly benefit.

And here’s where it gets exciting:

Say each member of your dream team has 500+ LinkedIn connections.
When you start supporting one another — commenting on posts, sharing updates, tagging, and collaborating — your reach doesn’t just add up, it multiplies.

You’re no longer limited to your own network — you’re expanding into theirs, and theirs into yours. That’s how visibility and opportunity grow naturally.

Build Relationships Based on Know, Like, and Trust

Of course, none of this happens overnight.
Strong networking takes time — and it’s built on three things:

1. Know: Get to know people beyond their job titles. Understand how they serve their clients.
   

2. Like: Build relationships with people whose energy and values align with yours.
   

3. Trust: Only refer people you’d confidently stand behind — because your reputation travels with every introduction you make.
   

Authenticity always shines through. When you recommend someone you genuinely trust, that connection carries weight and credibility.

How to Choose the Right Events

So, how do you decide which events to attend?
Simple — focus on the ones where you’re most likely to meet people who:

• Are your ideal clients, or
  

• Serve your ideal clients in complementary ways.
  

Skip the scattershot approach. Instead, prioritise the events where your time, energy, and presence will create meaningful outcomes.

When you surround yourself with the right people, referrals, collaborations, and opportunities start to flow naturally — and networking becomes not only more effective but far more enjoyable.

Keep Building Real Connections

Networking doesn’t have to feel like an endless grind.
With the right strategy, it becomes a multiplier for your business — and a whole lot more fun.

If you’d like more encouragement and strategies to make networking feel natural, I’d love for you to join my monthly newsletter. You’ll receive resources, event updates, and tips to help you grow your network with confidence.

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