How do you feel about networking events? Do you find them intimidating, or do you see them as exciting opportunities to make new connections?

Another question is: why do you attend networking events? Is it to personally benefit and gain something for yourself, or is it to build connections and develop new relationships?

The Toastmasters International Pathways program offers an elective project called “Prepare to Network”. In this project it gives you a form you can use to prepare for a networking event. This form includes questions such as:

1. What is your elevator pitch? What do you want people to know about you?
2. What are your objectives for attending this networking event?
3. Who do you want to meet?
4. How can you offer value to people at a networking event?

Elevator Pitch

For a long time, I attended networking events thinking that being prepared simply meant showing up with business cards. While having business cards is important, I eventually realized that preparation goes beyond what you hand someone – it also includes what you say when you meet them. When someone asks, “So, what do you do?” it helps to have a thoughtful response ready.

This is where an elevator pitch becomes incredibly valuable. An elevator pitch isn’t about delivering a rehearsed sales script – it’s about being intentional with how you introduce yourself. It allows you to plan a few key points you want to share, whether that’s your role, your interests, a problem you help solve, or what you’re currently working on.

Having an elevator pitch gives your conversations direction and depth. Instead of defaulting to vague or forgettable answers, you can share something meaningful that sparks curiosity and invites follow-up questions. It also helps you feel more confident and comfortable, especially in the early moments of a conversation when first impressions are being formed.

By preparing a simple, authentic elevator pitch in advance, you equip yourself to communicate clearly and connect more effectively. It turns small talk into purposeful dialogue and helps you make the most of every interaction at a networking event.

What are your objectives?

Another important part of preparing for a networking event is identifying your key objectives – the outcomes you want to achieve by attending. Having clear objectives helps guide your conversations and prevents the event from feeling random or transactional.

When I first started attending networking events, my primary goal was to find new clients for my business. That’s a common and understandable objective. And while growing your business is important, I’ve learned that it’s often not the most effective first goal at a networking event. A more powerful objective is to focus on developing new connections and building relationships.

Strong relationships are what eventually lead to opportunities, referrals, and clients. When you approach networking with a “what can I get” mindset, people can sense it – and it often discourages follow-up. Conversations feel rushed or transactional, and trust never has a chance to form.

On the other hand, when your objective is to learn about others, understand what they do, and explore how you might support them, conversations become more natural and meaningful. People are far more likely to continue the relationship after the event when they feel genuinely seen, heard, and valued.

By setting relationship-focused objectives – such as meeting a few new people, learning about their goals, or scheduling follow-up conversations – you create a foundation for long-term success. Networking isn’t about immediate results; it’s about planting seeds that grow over time.

Who do you want to meet?

Something else you can plan for at a networking event is who you would like to meet. For example, at the Toastmasters International Convention last August, I wanted to meet the CEO of Toastmasters International, and I also wanted to meet Andrew Horberry from District 60

If you research a networking event in advance, you can learn who might be there. Then you can plan to meet them while there. You can even plan for what you want to say to them when you meet them.

In my case, I wanted to meet Andrew Horberry in person because I had only ever seen him online before. Knowing he would be at the International Convention gave me the opportunity to meet him in person.

Offering value to others

Another powerful way to prepare for a networking event is to intentionally think about how you can offer value to the people you meet. Instead of asking, “What can I get out of this event?” ask, “How can I help someone here?” That mindset shift immediately changes how you show up and how others experience you.

Consider the knowledge, experience, or insights you can share. This might be advice from your industry, lessons learned from a recent project, or resources that have helped you solve a common problem. Even small insights can be valuable when they’re relevant and shared genuinely.

You can also add value by acting as a connector. Listen carefully to what people are working on and what they’re looking for, then introduce them to others who might be a good fit. Helping two people make a meaningful connection builds trust and positions you as someone who contributes, not just consumes.

When you go into a networking event prepared to give value – through knowledge, encouragement, or connections – you create more authentic conversations and leave a lasting positive impression.

Conclusion

When you attend a networking event, resist the urge to make it about you. The most meaningful connections are built when you shift your focus to others and take a genuine interest in who they are, what they do, and what matters to them. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and look for ways you can add value rather than immediately promote yourself.

Remember, networking doesn’t end when the event does. Be intentional about exchanging contact information so you can follow up afterward with a message that references your conversation. That follow-up is where relationships begin to take shape. When you approach networking with curiosity, generosity, and consistency, you move beyond collecting contacts and start building real, lasting connections.