--- title: Network like you mean it. description: Networking at business events can help you grow your business and allow you to do hands-on marketing research. image: https://blog.salesboost.com/hubfs/Network-Like-You-Mean-It-FB.png --- - 972-362-6633 - CONTACT US - [info@salesboost.com](mailto:info@salesboost.com) - [LOGIN](https://hospitality.salesboost.com/) Toggle navigation [![Image](https://salesboost.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/salesboost_logo_header2.png)](https://salesboost.com) - Solutions - [Platform Tour](https://salesboost.com/platform-tour) - [Courses](https://salesboost.com/courses/) - [Case Studies](https://salesboost.com/case-studies) - Pricing - [Pricing for Individuals](https://salesboost.com/pricing-for-individuals/) - [Pricing for Teams](https://salesboost.com/pricing-for-teams/) - [Pricing for Organizations](https://salesboost.com/enterprise) - [Get a Quote](https://salesboost.com/get-a-quote/) - Resources - [Free Resources](https://salesboost.com/resources/) - [Our Blog](https://blog.salesboost.com) - [Press Releases](https://salesboost.com/in-the-news) - About Us - [Meet The Team](https://salesboost.com/our-team/) - [Advisory Board](https://salesboost.com/advisory-board/) - [Collaborators and Affiliates](https://salesboost.com/collaborators-and-affiliates) - [Contact Us](https://salesboost.com/contact-us/) - Get Started # The Launchpad # Network like you mean it. ## Making the most of networking events Share this article: [mailto:?Subject=Check%20out%20this%20article%20from%20Salesboost!&Body=I%20saw%20this%20and%20thought%20of%20you!%20%20https://blog.salesboost.com/network-like-you-mean-it](mailto:?Subject=Check%20out%20this%20article%20from%20Salesboost!&Body=I%20saw%20this%20and%20thought%20of%20you!%20%20https://blog.salesboost.com/network-like-you-mean-it) ![Network-Like-You-Mean-It-FB](https://blog.salesboost.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Network-Like-You-Mean-It-FB.png?width=1200&name=Network-Like-You-Mean-It-FB.png)Most people are uncomfortable walking into a room full of strangers, but when it comes to industry events, it's a necessary skill set. Still, it does not have to be torture chamber of forced smiles and small talk. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the events you attend: - **Come prepared** Have plenty of business cards, a list of people that you want to meet, and do your research. Another tip that you may overlook – eat beforehand. Juggling a plate of food while trying to shake hands may only add to any awkwardness.    - **Establish a goal before the event** What is your purpose for attending?  Are you seeking a particular customer? What do you want to accomplish and why?  Do you have an advocate that can introduce you to the prospect? This will be your guide through the event and will help you stay focused and ask strategic questions.   - **Arrive early** Whether you've never been there before or you're familiar with the venue, arriving early allows you to network with a smaller crowd and get more comfortable. Ask the host to introduce you to people if you aren't familiar with the group. It also helps avoid the stressful side effects of running late (i.e. stress sweat 😥).   - **Listen up** When speaking with people, listen more than you talk. This is a great place to put your [rapport-building skills](https://blog.salesboost.com/how-to-better-build-rapport-with-clients-0) to use! Ask open-ended questions and let them do the talking. You'd be amazed at how you can make yourself memorable as a good listener.    - **Follow up** This may be the most important action. What are you going to do with all those cards and conversations you exchanged? Write [personalized "nice to meet you" cards](https://blog.salesboost.com/a-blast-from-the-past-0) after the event. This can go a long way with a potential client. And, this is a great time to ask clients and colleagues to connect with you on social media like LinkedIn.  Having a game plan before a networking event can make the event much more enjoyable, show your worth as a professional and increase your ROI. Once you master these skills, you will come to see networking events as strong business opportunities worth the investment instead of just a social obligation.   Get to know us, too. [![Book a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2176852/3cf07379-77a6-475f-83b1-510740126116.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/2176852/3cf07379-77a6-475f-83b1-510740126116)     Topics: [Sales](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/sales), [Networking](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/networking) #### About the author Blog by: [Gretta Brooks](https://blog.salesboost.com/author/gretta-brooks) on May 17, 2018 ![Gretta Brooks](https://blog.salesboost.com/hubfs/Gretta_bubble.png) Gretta Brooks, CEO & FounderGretta is a proven leader in the hospitality sales industry with 30+ years experience running three global sales organizations, leading award-winning hotel sales teams and earning numerous sales and service awards. She developed SalesBoost after years of searching for the most effective sales training for her sales teams and not finding it anywhere. She wanted training that would be interactive and fun, show immediate results, and give her team the ability to practice, practice, practice. With the idea in place, she brought together other experts to help create a comprehensive package that uniquely trains individuals through the entire sales process. Find me on: [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/SalesBoost-LLC-690809431058632/) [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretta-brooks-1b31b7b/) [Twitter](https://www.twitter.com/SalesBoostLLC) ### Subscribe to updates from The Launchpad ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Sales (26)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/sales) - [Productivity (19)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/productivity) - [Positive Environment (13)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/positive-environment) - [Progress (13)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/progress) - [Clients (12)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/clients) - [optimization (10)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/optimization) - [Networking (9)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/networking) - [Goal Centric Plan (8)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/goal-centric-plan) - [Innovation (8)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/innovation) - [Win (8)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/win) - [relationship building (8)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/relationship-building) - [Focus (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/focus) - [Practice (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/practice) - [Sales Tips (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/sales-tips) - [SalesBoost (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/salesboost) - [Teamwork (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/teamwork) - [business (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/business) - [workplace (7)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/workplace) - [wellness (6)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/wellness) - [Innovative (5)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/innovative) - [Sales Training (5)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/sales-training) - [Train like a Champion (5)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/train-like-a-champion) - [hospitality (5)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/hospitality) - [human resources (5)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/human-resources) - [time (5)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/time) - [job retention (4)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/job-retention) - [Prospecting (3)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/prospecting) - [SMART Plan (3)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/smart-plan) - [Shalane Flanagan (3)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/shalane-flanagan) - [Skill Development (3)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/skill-development) - [Insider (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/insider) - [Moments of Truth (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/moments-of-truth) - [follow-up (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/follow-up) - [holiday planning (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/holiday-planning) - [meetings (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/meetings) - [scheduled calls (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/scheduled-calls) - [skills of a leader (2)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/skills-of-a-leader) - [Recognition (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/recognition) - [Social Media (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/social-media) - [Social Selling (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/social-selling) - [awards (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/awards) - [holiday menu (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/holiday-menu) - [partnership (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/partnership) - [tech ovation (1)](https://blog.salesboost.com/topic/tech-ovation) see all ![Image](https://blog.salesboost.com/hubfs/salesboost_forhospitality_logo.png) #### STAY CONNECTED - - - #### New to Salesboost [Our Research](https://salesboost.com/our-research/) [The Salesboost Difference](https://salesboost.com/the-salesboost-difference/) [Compare Us](https://salesboost.com/compare-us/) [Get a Quote](https://blog.salesboost.com/#) #### About Us [Meet Team](https://salesboost.com/our-team/) [Our Story](https://salesboost.com/our-story/) [Terms of Service](https://salesboost.com/terms-of-service/) [Privacy Policy](https://salesboost.com/privacy-policy/) #### Popular Links [In the News](https://salesboost.com/in-the-news/) [Plans & pricing](https://salesboost.com/plans-pricing/) [Course list](https://salesboost.com/course-list/) [Contact Us](https://salesboost.com/contact-us/) [Site Map](https://salesboost.com/site-map/) ©2018 Salesboost, Inc. 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