How do you approach and engage with new contacts at a networking event without being too pushy or salesy?

Networking events can be a great opportunity for corporate recruiters to expand their pool of potential candidates, clients, and partners. However, approaching and engaging with new contacts can also be challenging, especially if you want to avoid being too pushy or salesy. How can you strike a balance between being friendly, professional, and interested without coming across as desperate, intrusive, or aggressive? Here are some tips to help you network effectively and respectfully at any event.

1 Prepare your pitch

Before you attend a networking event, you should have a clear idea of who you are, what you do, and what you offer. This is your elevator pitch, a brief and compelling introduction that summarizes your value proposition and sparks curiosity. Your pitch should be tailored to your audience and the context of the event, and it should answer the following questions: Who are you? What do you do? Why are you here? What are you looking for? Practice your pitch until you can deliver it confidently and naturally, and be ready to adjust it depending on the situation and the person you are talking to.

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2 Research the attendees

Another way to prepare for a networking event is to research the attendees in advance. You can use social media, online directories, or event platforms to find out who is going, what they do, and what they are interested in. This can help you identify who you want to meet, what you have in common, and what you can offer them. You can also use this information to craft personalized icebreakers, compliments, or questions that can start a conversation and show your genuine interest. For example, you can mention a recent project, achievement, or article that they have been involved in or shared.

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3 Approach with confidence

When you arrive at the event, don't be shy or wait for others to come to you. Instead, approach with confidence and a smile, and introduce yourself with your pitch. You can also use body language cues to signal your openness and availability, such as making eye contact, nodding, or leaning forward. If you see someone standing alone or in a small group, you can ask if you can join them or offer a handshake. If you see someone you already know, you can use them as a bridge to meet new people by asking them to introduce you or to join their conversation.

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4 Engage with curiosity

Once you have approached someone, the next step is to engage with them in a meaningful and memorable way. The key to doing this is to be curious and attentive, and to focus on building rapport and trust. You can do this by asking open-ended questions that invite them to share more about themselves, their work, their goals, or their challenges. You can also listen actively and show that you are interested and empathetic by paraphrasing, reflecting, or summarizing what they say. Additionally, you can add value to the conversation by sharing relevant insights, tips, resources, or referrals that can help them solve a problem or achieve a result.

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Melanie Mitchell Wexler

Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedIn™, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
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Approach new contacts with a genuine interest in getting to know them as individuals rather than viewing them solely as potential business prospects. Ask open-ended questions about their background, interests, and goals. Actively listen to their responses and show curiosity and engagement.

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5 Follow up with respect

The last step of networking is to follow up with the contacts you have made at the event. This is crucial to maintain and strengthen the relationship and to explore further opportunities for collaboration or assistance. However, you should also respect their time and preferences, and avoid being too pushy or salesy. You can follow up by sending a personalized email or message within 24 hours of the event, thanking them for their time, reminding them of your conversation, and suggesting a next step. You can also connect with them on social media or professional platforms, and share relevant content or updates that can keep the conversation going. However, you should also respect their boundaries and signals, and avoid spamming them with too many messages, requests, or pitches.

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Melanie Mitchell Wexler

Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedIn™, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
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After the networking event, follow up with the new contacts you made. Send personalized messages to express your appreciation for the conversation and mention something specific from your discussion to jog their memory. This helps to solidify the connection and opens the door for further communication.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Melanie Mitchell Wexler

Career Coach - Empowering Mid to Executive-Level Professionals to Achieve Purpose-Driven Career Transitions | Resume, LinkedIn™, Job Search & Interview Specialist | Former Recruiter
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Networking is about building relationships based on trust and genuine connections. By approaching new contacts with a sincere interest in getting to know them and providing value, you can engage in meaningful conversations without being pushy or salesy.

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How do you approach and engage with new contacts at a networking event without being too pushy or salesy?

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1 Prepare your pitch

2 Research the attendees

3 Approach with confidence

4 Engage with curiosity

5 Follow up with respect

6 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Recruiting

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