To network at events alone, arrive early, set a small goal such as three real conversations, ask about people rather than pitching yourself and follow up within two days. Going alone is an advantage, because people on their own are usually the easiest to approach and the most pleased to be approached.
Why going alone is not a disadvantage
Many people dread entering a room of strangers alone. But at most events, a lot of attendees are in the same position. People who arrive with a colleague often stay with that colleague. People who arrive alone are available for new conversations, and they are usually glad when someone speaks to them.
If you are an introvert, this format can also be less tiring than group socialising, since you choose whom to talk to and for how long. Networking for introverts covers the broader approach.
Before the event
Know why you are going. Decide on one goal: meet three new people, learn about a field, find a mentor or hear a speaker. A goal gives you a measuring stick that is not "did I impress everyone".
Research. Check the agenda, speakers and, if available, the attendee list. Pick two or three people or topics you are curious about.
Prepare your introduction. One or two sentences: who you are, what you do and one hook.
- "I'm Maya. I work in product design for a health startup, mostly on onboarding."
Practise it aloud. See how to introduce yourself.
Prepare questions. Three open ones:
- "What brought you to this event?"
- "What are you working on at the moment?"
- "Which session are you most looking forward to?"
Logistics. Plan your route, check the dress code and bring business cards or have a profile QR code ready.
Arrive early
The first 20 minutes are the easiest time to start conversations. The room is quieter, people are looking for someone to talk to and the organisers are free to introduce you. Registration queues, coffee lines and the seating area are all natural places to chat.
Approaching people
Look for:
- People alone. They are usually relieved to be approached.
- Groups of three or more standing in an open shape. A gap in the circle signals you can join.
- People at the food or drinks. A natural talking point.
Walk up, smile and say something simple:
- "Hi, I'm [name]. Is this your first time at this event?"
- "Hi, do you mind if I join you?"
- "I liked the opening talk. What did you think?"
Avoid joining pairs who are deep in conversation. How to join a conversation shows what open and closed groups look like.
Keep the conversation going
After the opening, ask about them:
- "What do you do?" then "What do you like most about it?"
- "What brings you here?" then "What are you hoping to take away?"
- "How did you get into this field?"
Listen and follow up. Share a bit about yourself when asked. People remember those who showed interest in them. Active listening and how to keep a conversation going have more advice.
Avoid selling in the first conversation. Networking is about relationships, so a helpful tone and a clear interest work better than a pitch.
Exit gracefully
After 5 to 10 minutes, you can move on. Say something positive and clear:
- "It was great to meet you. I'm going to grab a coffee, but let's connect on LinkedIn."
- "I'd like to say hi to a few other people. Thanks for chatting."
- "Can I introduce you to someone I just met?"
Exchange details if it makes sense. There is no need to apologise for leaving. How to end a conversation has more scripts.
Handle the quiet moments
Between conversations, you may feel awkward alone. Use these:
- Read the programme or look at the poster boards.
- Get a drink or snack.
- Chat to the staff at registration.
- Step outside for a breath.
- Check the speaker list for your next target.
Do not retreat to your phone for long. A few minutes is fine, but a quick scroll can become an exit from the room.
Follow up
The real value of networking often comes after the event.
- Within 48 hours, send a short message: "Great to meet you at [event]. I enjoyed our chat about X."
- Add one useful thing: a link, an article or an introduction.
- Suggest a next step if it fits: a coffee, a call, a mutual contact.
- Note details in a spreadsheet or notes app so you remember.
Keep it light and avoid asking for favours straight away.
Practise before the big event
If networking makes you very nervous, practise in lower-stakes settings: a local meetup, a class, a talk at a library. Solo Era is an iPhone app that helps you practise small solo outings, with weekly missions such as asking a staff member a genuine question, before-and-after nervousness ratings and a photo journal. It is free to download, and a subscription is required to start missions.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
A one-event plan
| Time | Action |
|---|---|
| Day before | Review attendees, write your introduction |
| Arrival | Be early, grab a name tag, take a breath |
| First 30 minutes | Speak to one person alone |
| Middle | Attend a talk, then chat with someone nearby |
| Last 30 minutes | Say goodbye to new contacts |
| Next day | Send follow-up messages |
If anxiety around events is strong, see how to calm social anxiety before an event.
Mistakes to avoid
- Staying in a corner all night.
- Talking only to people you know.
- Handing out cards without conversation.
- Leaving without saying goodbye.
- Forgetting to follow up.
Online and hybrid events
Many events now include a virtual part. The same principles apply, with a few adjustments. Turn your camera on if you can, use the chat to ask a question or answer someone else's, and join breakout rooms rather than staying silent in the main session. After the session, message one person who commented well: "I liked your point about X. Are you working on something similar?" Virtual networking can feel less intimidating because you can prepare your wording, but follow-up still matters most.
What a good result looks like
A successful networking event does not require a stack of business cards. It might be one conversation that taught you something, one person you would happily have coffee with, or a new idea about your work. Judging the event by those outcomes keeps the pressure sensible and makes it more likely that you will go to the next one.
FAQ
How do I network if I'm shy?
Set a small goal, arrive early, talk to people who are alone and ask questions. Shy people often make great listeners, which people appreciate.
How many people should I talk to?
Two or three good conversations are a success. Quality matters more than quantity.
What if I can't think of what to say?
Ask what brought them to the event, or comment on a session. Open questions keep things going.
Do I need business cards?
Not always. A LinkedIn profile or QR code often replaces them. Check what is common in your industry.
What if no one talks to me?
Approach someone yourself. People alone are usually delighted to be spoken to.
Solo Era for iPhone
Try it with Solo Era
Solo Era gives you one realistic mission a week, records how nervous you felt before and after, and keeps a photo journal of what you did. An iPhone app. A subscription is required to start missions; any free trial depends on the offer and eligibility shown in the app.
