In-Person Networking Events: Build Stronger Business Relationships
Episode 24
Have you ever wondered if showing up at business networking groups or in-person networking events is really worth the time?
In episode 24 of The People Success Circle podcast, I’m making the case for in-person networking and the real business networking benefits it brings.
From career opportunities to stronger professional relationships, face-to-face conversations often open doors that digital connections can’t. Whether you’re an HR leader, business owner, or job seeker, this episode will help you rethink how you approach networking.
Read on for practical tips—or hit play and start building stronger business connections today.
In Episode 24 of The People Success Circle, I share real stories to show exactly how face-to-face connection leads to opportunity.
Why in-person networking events still matter in today’s hyper-connected world
The real business networking benefits of face-to-face conversations versus digital interactions
How one trade show booth led to a speaking gig, a new client, and lasting business growth
Tips for choosing the right business networking groups and events that align with your goals
How to prepare your introduction so people remember you and connect the dots
The role of follow-up—and why simple coffee chats can turn connections into opportunities
🎧 Tune in to discover how in-person networking can open doors for your career and business!
🔗 Helpful Links
🌐 Mindy’s website for business consulting: https://www.limerockcareerco.com
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Episode 24: Watch or Listen
Key Takeaways From Episode 24
In-Person Networking Builds Trust Faster
In a world where digital messages flood our inboxes, nothing replaces the connection of meeting face-to-face. At in-person networking events, people remember you more clearly because they experience your tone, body language, and genuine interest—all of which build trust faster than online interactions ever could.
Choose the Right Events for Your Goals
Not every event is worth your time or investment. Before committing, I always research who will be there and whether the organization’s focus aligns with my goals. Whether you’re looking for new clients, professional partnerships, or just visibility, being strategic ensures you walk away with meaningful connections rather than disappointment.
Prepare a Clear and Memorable Introduction
One of the best ways to stand out is to practice a short introduction that highlights what you want to be known for. Instead of sharing everything about your career or business, I focus on one clear statement that helps people mentally “file away” who I am and what I do. This makes it much easier for them to remember me later.
Follow Up to Keep Relationships Alive
The real business networking benefits come after the event. I set a goal to schedule at least one or two follow-up coffee chats with new connections. These one-on-one conversations deepen relationships and often lead to new opportunities. Remember—the fortune is in the follow-up.
Be the Most Interested Person in the Room
Networking doesn’t mean being the most interesting person—it’s about being genuinely interested in others. By asking thoughtful questions and staying engaged in the conversation, you’ll naturally build stronger relationships and make a lasting impression without feeling like you’re “working the room.”
People First, Profits Follow
If you’re struggling to get leadership buy-in, here’s what I remind my clients: when the people side of the business isn’t working, everything suffers. Sales, service, retention, culture—it’s all connected. When you invest in your people, you build the foundation for long-term success. And it all starts with seeing what’s really going on behind the curtain.
🎧 Want the full story, examples, and action steps?
Listen to the full episode of The People Success Circle for more insights on building a thriving culture that drives results.
Read the full transcript
Mindy:
Mindy East:
When was the last time you walked out of a networking event and thought, that conversation could truly change everything? Or have you been hiding behind your computer or your phone and pushed in-person networking to the side? We live in a world that is more connected than ever. In fact, I often say we are hyper-connected.
There are so many electronic ways that we can communicate with people—Slack, Teams messages, DMs on various platforms, email, text, phone. We are more connected as a society than we have ever been. But connection cannot always be electronic. We have to make room in our lives for human connection.
Networking in a hyper-connected world is noisier than ever. Attention is scarce. It’s hard to grab someone’s attention, and trust is harder to earn than ever. That’s why in-person networking is still such an important component of building relationships for your career or your business.
These events are where relationships deepen faster, where people remember you more, and where opportunities tend to move further simply because of that human connection.
Some say that connection is the new currency in business. And when you’re in person, you get the whole package—you understand someone’s tone, body language, and presence. All of these things help build trust faster and help people remember you more because they can put a face with a name.
I was trying to elevate my brand and my business in 2024 and make myself more well-known in San Antonio. I purchased a trade show booth at the Manufacturing Association Conference of South Texas because I had a manufacturing client I loved working with. I thought, if I set up a booth here, I might get more clients like them.
That turned out to be a great experience. I met a man named Chris, who worked in distribution. We struck up a conversation in May 2024, connected on LinkedIn, and exchanged a few emails. Months later, in January 2025, Chris emailed me out of the blue. He was on a committee for the Fastener Convention in South Texas and thought I’d be a great speaker.
Of course, I said yes. I love speaking and was so flattered he remembered me seven months later. I got the speaking gig, delivered my talk, and met Chris’s boss at the event. Within days, we set up an HR audit, signed a contract, and began working together. Within one year of simply setting up that booth, I landed both a speaking engagement and a client relationship I truly value.
What this taught me is that you can’t replicate those chance in-person relationships. They can lead to something that changes your career or your business.
When you’re clear about what you want to be known for—in my case, HR consulting and speaking—people connect the dots and remember you. They’ll mention your name in a room when you’re not even there.
This happened again at a National Association for Women Business Owners event. Through my introduction, someone learned that I help college students find their first job after graduation. She immediately thought of her daughter, who was about to graduate, and I gained a new client from that one introduction.
A big tip here: practice your introduction for in-person events. You don’t have to tell people everything about yourself. Tailor your introduction so it resonates with the people in the room. For example, I often say, I help professionals who feel invisible in their careers learn how to network confidently so they can be known for what they do best and open the right doors.
This is part three of my networking series. The first episode was “The Case for Networking.” The second was “The Case for LinkedIn,” which I could also call “The Case for Virtual Networking.” Both virtual and in-person networking are essential today. In this episode, I want you to see why in-person events still matter and how to decide which ones are worth your time.
Before registering for an event, research who will be there. Ask yourself: is this worth my time? Going without a strategy can backfire and leave you feeling disappointed. It’s not about how many connections you make. It’s about having the right conversations with the right people.
I’ve had success with some events—like that trade show—but I’ve also had failures. I once invested time and money into a three-day event that looked great on paper but wasn’t the right fit. I left knowing it wasn’t the best use of my resources. Still, it taught me that not every in-person event will work, and that’s okay.
Here’s what I consider: Is my ideal client there? Or are people who know my ideal client there? Sometimes, I attend events where my ideal client isn’t present, but potential referral partners are. That’s valuable too. I also look at whether the event aligns with my goals—visibility, partnerships, client acquisition, or simply learning.
Preparation is also key. Update your LinkedIn profile, bring business cards, and if you’re a job seeker, bring resumes. Always prepare your “known for” statement so you leave people with one clear thing to remember about you.
At the event, remember this: don’t try to be the most interesting person in the room. Be the most interested. Many introverts tell me they dislike networking, but when you focus on being curious about others instead of trying to perform, the pressure comes off. Networking is about building relationships, not collecting business cards.
After the event, follow up. I connect with people on LinkedIn and send a quick DM. I also set a goal to schedule one or two coffee chats. These aren’t sales calls—they’re conversations to deepen the relationship. In fact, I never make an “ask” in these meetings. People remember you when you take a genuine interest in them, and when they’re ready, they come back to you.
I believe the fortune is in the follow-up. It keeps you top of mind and helps you build real community.
So we’ve covered why in-person events are important, how to choose the right ones, how to prepare, how to show up, and how to follow up. Now, here’s my challenge for you:
Choose one in-person networking event to attend in the next 30 days. Do the research, decide what makes sense for you, and go. This isn’t just for business owners—it’s for job seekers too. Only 4% of job seekers get their jobs through online applications, but 85% land jobs through networking.
Remember: opportunities don’t always go to the most qualified people. They go to the most known. Get yourself out there, be known, and the opportunities will come your way.
Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People Success Circle. If you enjoyed it, please leave a five-star review or share it with a friend who could benefit. And if you’d like to join the waitlist for my new Networking School membership, check the show notes for details.
I can’t wait to hear your networking stories. See you next week!
