Tips for networking events: the do’s and don’ts that get you remembered
Most people walk into a networking event hoping to meet someone useful and walk out with a pocket of business cards they never use. The difference is rarely charisma.
These actionable tips for networking events cover what to do before, during and after, with the etiquette that leaves a good impression and makes people want to hear from you again.
If networking feels awkward, you are in good company. Many professionals say it makes them feel “uncomfortable and phony, even dirty” (HBR, 2016).
The fix is a strategy, not a new personality. A plan will boost your confidence, and your networking skills grow with every room you walk into.
Why does networking still matter for your career?
In-person networking puts you in front of people who can open doors that a job board cannot. Personal and professional contacts remain one of the most common ways people find work.
A decade ago, 63 percent of recent job seekers used professional or work connections in their search (Pew, 2015). Among unemployed job seekers in 2025, 23.7 percent contacted friends or relatives as part of their search (BLS, 2025).
The people you barely know matter most. A study of about 20 million LinkedIn users found moderately weak ties, not close friends, did the most for job mobility (MIT News, 2022).
That is exactly who you meet at a mixer. It is also where you find the hiring managers and recruiters who are filling roles they have not advertised yet, which matters in a market where Idaho job openings have grown 21 percent since 2020 (RNG Group, 2026).
What should you do before a networking event?
Research the host, the venue and who is likely to be there, then set one clear goal. Preparation gives you talking points and stops the evening from drifting.
Read the agenda and look up the speakers, organizers and sponsors, and gather any relevant info you can find. Note one or two people you would like to meet and why.
Decide what a good night looks like. It might be three real exchanges, one introduction to a specific company, a chance to meet new people in sales or marketing, or learning how people in a new field talk about their work.
Going in without a goal is the most common reason a night feels wasted. Vague objectives lead to superficial chat that nobody remembers.
Craft a short elevator pitch, an answer to “What do you do?” that takes about 20 seconds and ends with something the other person can ask about. Then prepare three open questions you can use with anyone, so you never struggle for something to say.
What should you bring to a networking event?
Bring business cards, a charged phone with your LinkedIn profile QR code ready, and a pen. Add a short list of the people you want to meet and one question for each.
Paper cards are no longer universal, but they still help with people who prefer them. A quick LinkedIn follow in the moment is often easier for both of you.
Keep your hands free. Hold your drink in your left hand so your right is dry and ready for a handshake.
A mint, a spare phone battery and a name you can say clearly are small things that make the whole evening easier to navigate.
How do you dress for networking?
Match the dress code on the invitation, and if there is none, go one step more polished than you think you need. Comfortable, tidy and unremarkable beats flashy.
Business casual covers most chamber and industry mixers. Formal galas and conference receptions call for more.
Your outfit should let people remember what you said, not your clothes. Avoid anything too casual, too loud or too revealing, and keep accessories simple.
Wear shoes you can stand in for two hours. Discomfort shows on your face.
What happens at a networking event?
Most gatherings mix open mingling with a short program such as a speaker, panel or introductions. Expect name tags, a drinks area and small groups that form and break up throughout the evening.
Weekly or monthly groups feel different from one-off conferences. The same faces return, so consistency is crucial, and showing up regularly is how trust builds.
Casual mixers, such as after-work socials or entrepreneur and startup meetups, reward relaxed chat and humor. Formal occasions, such as awards dinners or conference receptions, lean on introductions from hosts and tighter etiquette.
Does etiquette change for virtual networking?
Mostly no, but the details shift. Turn your camera on, use your full name and title on screen, and mute when you are not speaking.
In breakout rooms, keep your introduction short and let others speak. Follow up the same way you would after meeting in person, and mention the session you shared.
How do you approach people you do not know?
Look for people standing alone or open groups of three with a gap in the circle. Walk up confidently, smile, and introduce yourself with your name and one line about your work.
A stranger standing on their own is usually relieved to be approached. Groups that are angled open look approachable and are inviting you in, while tight pairs deep in discussion are not.
A firm handshake, eye contact and a smile still set the tone for the whole interaction. Keep your posture open and your grip steady, not crushing, and say the other person’s name back to them.
If you want to meet a speaker or industry leader, wait until they finish talking. Offer a specific comment on their expertise or what they said, not a pitch.
What is good networking etiquette in conversation?
Good networking etiquette means listening more than you talk, asking open questions and never pitching in the first minute. Professionalism is about making the other person feel heard.
Ask questions that need more than yes or no, such as “What got you into this field?” or “What is keeping your team busy right now?”
Listen for the answer instead of planning your next line. Build on what they said with a follow-up question.
Do not dominate or interrupt. Pause for a beat after the other person finishes, watch for body language that says they want to speak, and bring quieter people into group discussions.
When it is time to move on, be direct and kind. “It was great to meet you, I am going to grab a coffee before the talk starts” is enough.
What are the do’s and don’ts of networking events?
The essential rules come down to preparation, generosity and follow-through. This table puts the most common situations side by side.
| Situation | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| Before you go | Research attendees and set one clear goal | Arrive with no plan or reason for being there |
| Getting dressed | Match the dress code, one step polished | Overdress, underdress or wear anything distracting |
| Meeting someone new | Offer a firm handshake, eye contact and your name | Stare at your phone or hover at the edge of a pair |
| When you start a conversation | Ask an open question about their work | Launch into a pitch or your resume |
| While you talk | Listen, follow up on what they say | Interrupt, monologue or talk over others |
| In a group | Invite quieter people to share | Hold the floor or turn your back on anyone |
| Wrapping up | Close warmly and say why you enjoyed it | Vanish mid-sentence or scan the room while they talk |
| Food and drink | Keep one hand free, drink moderately | Talk with your mouth full or overdo the bar |
| Afterward | Send a personal message within two days | Wait weeks or send a generic template |
| Staying in touch | Share something useful months later | Only reach out when you need a favor |
How do you follow up after a networking event?
Send a short, personal message within a day or two, mention something specific you discussed, and suggest one next step. Speed and detail are what make you memorable.
Start by thanking them for their time. Then reference what you discussed, such as a project they described or an article you promised to send.
The follow-up is where a contact becomes a relationship. Most people never send one, so a thoughtful note stands out on its own.
Keep it to one message. If they do not reply, engage with their posts or say hello at the next meetup to stay visible, rather than sending reminders.
Connect on LinkedIn with a note, not a blank invitation. A month or two later, share your knowledge, an insight or something useful with no ask attached.
Where can you practice networking in Boise?
Start with a group that meets regularly, so you see the same people often enough to build real relationships. Boise has chambers, young professional groups and industry councils across various industries and every stage of a career.
The Boise Metro Chamber hosts over 50 events every year, including Boise Young Professionals gatherings such as its annual YP Summit (Boise Metro Chamber, 2026).
For a fuller list of local networking opportunities, see our guide to professional networking groups in Boise.
Networking is also how many people first meet a recruiter. If you want to know what that relationship looks like, read how to work with a recruiter.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you stay at a networking event?
Plan for at least an hour, or long enough to have three good exchanges. Leaving after you meet your goal is perfectly polite.
How many people should you talk to in one night?
Aim for three to five meaningful exchanges rather than as many handshakes as possible. Depth is what people remember when you follow up.
Do you still need business cards?
They are optional but useful, since some people still prefer them. Have a LinkedIn QR code ready as well so you can swap details either way.
What should you not say when networking?
Avoid opening with a request for a job, a sale or a favor. Skip complaints about your employer and keep politics and gossip out of first meetings.
Ready to put these networking tips to work?
Every good career opportunity starts with a conversation, and the best tips for networking events only matter once you show up and use them. Pick one mixer this month, set one goal, and follow up within two days.
If you are hiring or thinking about your next role in Idaho, our Boise recruiters spend their days in these rooms. Book a call and we will tell you where the right people are talking.
Filed under: Career advice
