The Art of Networking: How to Build Meaningful Connections that Last

Why Network in the First Place? The Benefits of Building Real Connections

Networking is one of the fastest ways to expand your perspective and unlock new opportunities in the most unexpected and serendipitous ways, driving both personal and business growth. Every conversation you (or others) start is a chance to connect with different industries, roles, and ideas—often sparking innovations, partnerships, or insights you never expected. In fact, research from Harvard Business Review shows that people with stronger networks tend to achieve higher salaries, more promotions, and greater career success.

Additionally, it’s through these connections that we build communities—inside our companies, across industries, and around shared interests. Communities that don’t just open doors for individuals, but also accelerate learning, foster collaboration, and amplify collective impact.

But the value goes beyond professional outcomes. Reaching out, introducing yourself, and listening with genuine curiosity builds your confidence, empathy, and communication skills. It helps you overcome hesitation, strengthen your leadership presence, and expand your impact. Whether online or in person, networking is one of the most powerful ways to grow—not just your network, but yourself.

It All Starts With You: How to Prepare to Add Value and Lead the Conversation

Before you can build new connections, you need to be clear about the value you offer. Take time to reflect on three essential elements:

• Your Strengths: What are you really good at? Think beyond your job title.
• Your Interests: What topics light you up? These are great conversation starters.
• Your Contribution: What value can you offer to someone else?

Once you’re clear on these points, prepare a short, authentic story that brings them to life. Skip the rehearsed elevator pitch. Instead, share a quick example of how you’ve helped someone or learned something meaningful. Stories are memorable—they show who you are and what you bring to the table.

First Impressions Matter

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and it starts before you even speak. Studies have shown that first impressions are formed rapidly—often within milliseconds—and tend to persist over time, even in the face of new information. A few tips to make a positive one include:

• Body Language: Stand tall, make eye contact, and smile naturally.
• Appearance: Dress appropriately for the context—aim to feel confident and comfortable.
• Attitude: Listen with genuine curiosity and focus on demonstrating interest rather than appearing interesting. As the world’s leading expert on organizational trust, Stephen M.R. Covey puts it, “Seek to bless, not to impress.” Be authentic, there’s nothing more engaging than being original and showing up as your true self.

As writer, singer and activist Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” So make every interaction count.

Set Clear Goals and Do Your Homework

Whether you’re looking for new clients, potential collaborators, market insights, or simply fresh ideas, clarity is your best starting point. Take time to ask yourself: “What do I want to achieve by being here?” Defining your goals in advance will help you focus your energy, make smarter decisions, and prioritize your time when it’s limited.

Once your goals are clear, do your homework on who will be there. For instance, in the Networking section the WOBI App you can search for people with similar interests and connect with them before the event. Take advantage of this tool to identify the people you’d like to meet. Update your profile to reflect what you’re looking for and what you can offer in return, and start connecting through the Matching section. Then, take the first step: send personalized meeting requests or messages in advance. This turns cold introductions into warmer, more meaningful conversations when you meet in person.

While planning is important, don’t over-engineer your schedule. Leave room for spontaneous encounters—the kind that happen in line for coffee, between sessions, or during informal networking moments. Sometimes, these unexpected conversations turn out to be the most valuable of all.

How to Break the Ice and Start Conversations

It’s normal to feel awkward about starting a conversation or introducing yourself to someone new. But what separates great networkers is their ability to push through that discomfort—whether in person or online. The key is to:

• Remind yourself that most people want to connect. As Will Guidara puts it in this video, the world we live in today has made us “want connections more now than ever before.”
• Set a goal to approach at least one new person at each event.
• Remember, your first attempt doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be real.

And here’s something many people forget: you don’t have to connect with everyone. Part of effective networking is recognizing that not every conversation will lead to a perfect match—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be liked by everyone, but to find the right people with whom you can build meaningful, mutually beneficial connections.

Conversation Starters That Work (And Those That Don’t)

Ditch the boring “What do you do?” and try more engaging questions like:

• “What inspired you to attend this event?”
• “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned today?”
• “I saw you’re working on [topic]—I’d love to hear more about it.”

The best conversations happen when you focus on the other person. Listen actively, ask follow-up questions, and show genuine interest. A simple mindset shift—from “What can I get?” to “What can I learn?”—can transform your networking experience.

In her article A Better Approach to Networking, Christie Hunter Arscott suggests shifting from transactional questions to ones that invite people to share their story, such as:

Check out this video where Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg shares one of his favorite practical tips to make every conversation more engaging and meaningful.

Once the conversation starts flowing, how you show up physically can make all the difference. Research shows that small, non-verbal cues often speak louder than words—making interactions more memorable, enjoyable, and human. According to interpersonal intelligence expert and author Vanessa Van Edwards simple gestures like these can boost connection and engagement:

• Raising your eyebrows while reacting (“Oh, really?” or “Interesting!”) signals curiosity.
• Smiling naturally.
  
• Using the person’s name makes the exchange feel more personal and meaningful.
  
• Leaning in slightly or mirroring their posture shows you’re engaged.
  
• Adding light, context-appropriate touches (like a brief touch on the arm) to strengthen warmth and trust—always being mindful of personal and cultural boundaries.

Know When (and How) to Exit Gracefully

Not every interaction will click—and that’s perfectly normal. Part of mastering small talk is knowing how to exit a conversation politely when it’s not flowing or you’re ready to move on. You might:

• Introduce the person to someone else, creating value by helping them expand their network.
• Close the conversation warmly, with something like: “It was a pleasure meeting you, [name]. I’m going to continue mingling, but here’s my card/LinkedIn profile. Let’s keep in touch!”
  

Remember, your goal isn’t to connect with everyone or to be liked by everyone—and that’s okay. Effective networking is about finding the right connections, not the most connections. What matters is leaving every interaction with both people feeling seen, heard, and respected.

Digital Networking Counts Too

Some of the most valuable connections start online. Whether it’s a LinkedIn message, a comment on a post, or a direct introduction via email, how you show up digitally sets the tone for what comes next. That’s why it’s worth making every interaction personal and relevant. Here are three simple ways to do it:

• Mention why you’re reaching out—what sparked your interest in connecting.
  
• Refer to a shared interest, event, or mutual connection to build common ground.
• Invite them to continue the conversation—not to make a pitch, but to exchange ideas.

How to Build Relationships That Go Beyond the First Conversation

Real networking is not about the number of contacts you collect—it’s about the relationships you nurture over time. Small actions build trust over time. Here’s how to do it:

Follow Up with Relevance and Value

Send a follow-up message within a few days of meeting to keep the connection alive and meaningful. People remember those who follow up with relevance and sincerity—making their outreach feel human, not transactional. A thoughtful message could include:

• A quick reference to your conversation to reconnect the context.
• A helpful article, podcast, or resource related to what you discussed.
• An invitation to continue the conversation over coffee or a virtual chat.
• A mention of an upcoming event you’ll be attending, inviting them to join or reconnect there.