How to Attend Networking Events Alone: For Beginners

Note: this post was originally published in April 2023, but has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Why Attend Networking Events

Networking events are the perfect environment for expanding your network. It is a great way to get in front of people who you may not have access to outside of the event. Whether you are attending a business networking event, a personal development event, or a social event, you need a good plan of attack.

First, to get the most out of networking opportunities, get rid of the idea that you need to go in a group. Honestly, trying to network in groups can be counterproductive unless the person you are with is part of your team and you have a joint purpose for attending. Second, adopt the idea that going alone to events doesn’t make you lame or a loaner.

How to Find Events to Attend

You can search for things like networking events near me, conferences happening near me, or women’s events happening near me on Google. You can also look for events on Facebook or Instagram. No matter your interest, there is likely a group for that. Know that the event doesn’t have to be labeled a networking event. You can attend a women’s brunch or a business summit and still find opportunities to connect and network.

Here are 10 Tips for beginners attending networking events alone.

Register for Events that genuinely interest you

Only sign up to attend events that actually interest you. This will help you not feel so awkward. If you are already alone, the last thing you want to do is be around large crowds of people that you have nothing in common with. You will certainly feel out of place if you do that.

Dress the Part

When you look good you feel good and act confidently. When choosing what to wear to a networking event, first, check the event page and see if there is a dress code. Second, wear clothes that make you feel confident. For some women, wearing heels, even a low-heeled shoe, makes them feel more confident.

Pro-tip: wear a statement piece like a bright-colored blazer or unique earrings. This will help you stand out and be more memorable.

Be Your Authentic Self

Show up as the real you. There is nothing worse than presenting a fake version of yourself and making connections that don’t vibe with your true self. If you want genuine connections, show up genuinely. You don’t need to pretend to be someone that you are not.

Set Your Networking event goals

Be clear about what you are expecting to get out of attending the networking event. Consider the purpose of the event and make sure it’s a place where you will find “your people”. You can research who will be attending the event or what companies might be represented at the event. Decide if you are looking to meet potential clients, build partnerships, meet other professionals in your field, make new friends, find new suppliers, etc.

If you happen to have access to the list of attendees, vendors, and/or speakers attending an event, you can do a little pre-planning to point out the individuals you want to speak with. Decide what you will say to each person and how you want to connect. This will help you come off as prepared and confident when you approach them. I, personally, have landed clients from approaching speakers right after they come off the stage. Just be mindful of your approach if you do this. Read the room and make sure it is the right time to “strike”. Sometimes it is best to wait until the actual networking portion of the event.

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch or Story

Don’t be like a deer in headlights when people ask who you are or what you do. Practice what you want to say before you go. Your elevator pitch or story should be directly connected to your networking goals. For professional networking goals, your elevator pitch should include what you do, who you work for, and a quick blurb connected to your networking goals (i.e. “I am looking to connect with other planners”). If you are there to make new friends or social connections, you will want to lead with more social facts about yourself (where you are from, common interests, where you went to school, etc).

Arrive early to the networking event

Show up early so you are not walking into a room where all the groups have already been formed. If you are one of the first to arrive, you can start connecting early. Try talking to people in the registration line or speaking to someone in the restroom. If you arrive late, you may feel uncomfortable about breaking into already-established circles to introduce yourself.

Be prepared to Talk to New People

When people attend these events, they are already expecting to make connections with people they don’t know. So, you won’t feel out of place “shooting your shot” with anyone. If you are a shy or introverted person, you will just have to break out of that shell and be an extrovert for the event. This is why it is important to follow the other tips like dressing confidently and showing up early.

If the event has seating, and you have arrived early, walk up to a friendly face at a table that is not full and introduce yourself. Others will join you and you won’t feel like the odd one out. You will feel like a leader or original founder of the table.

Listen well

Hearing others share their elevator pitch or story is just as important as sharing yours. Nobody likes a conversation hog. Be prepared to listen and ask questions. Don’t just look for ways a person can help you. Also, listen for ways you may fit into someone else’s networking goal.

Exchange contact information with your new connections

You can exchange business cards or go the tech route and use QR code business cards. You can use Canva to create your regular or QR-code business cards. Another great option is to use the LinkedIn QR code to connect with others. This was very popular at an event I recently attended. I only collected a couple of business cards, but I left with many LinkedIn connections. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Follow up with your new connections

Send the people you met an email or LinkedIn message within 48 hours of connecting. All it takes is a short message thanking them for the conversation and letting them know you would like to stay in touch. If you discussed a specific opportunity to work together, be sure to mention that as well.

Though, attending a networking event alone can be a bit daunting. By preparing ahead of time you can make the most of your experience and expand your network. Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy yourself!

Your Turn

Comment and tell me if you found this post helpful. Let me know if you have plans to attend an event alone soon. How do you feel about it? What are you hoping to get out of it?

Disclosure: I love sharing my fav things with you all. So, this page may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn some money when you click on one. Read the full disclaimer here