Mastering Networking at Events: A Guide for Founders and Investors (Examples Included)
Unlock Meaningful Connections, Build Lasting Relationships, and Drive Business Growth
Networking events—love them or hate them, they’re a must for founders and investors. It’s where deals happen, partnerships bloom, and great ideas come to life. But how do you network like a pro and actually enjoy it? Read on for the ultimate guide to making meaningful connections with humor, ease, and confidence!
Index 1. Small Talk: The Icebreaker (Fun Ideas) ............................................................................... 2. The Handshake: More Than Just a Grip ............................................................................. 3. How to Introduce Yourself: Make a Memorable First Impression ................................. 4. The Pitch: The Art of Talking About Your Business (without Sounding Salesy) ......... 5. How to Talk: Keep It Engaging (and Not Boring) .............................................................. 6. How to Market Your Service: Don’t Be ‘That’ Guy ........................................................... 7. Finding Your Co-Founder: It’s Like Dating, but for Business ......................................... 8. How to Follow Up: Don’t Ghost Them ...............................................................................
1. Small Talk: The Icebreaker (Fun Ideas)
Small talk doesn’t need to be boring! It’s your opportunity to bring energy into the conversation. Keep it lighthearted and fun, especially when you’re not sure where to begin.
"I’ve been trying to find the best coffee in this area, any recommendations?"
"How did you get started in your field?"
"What’s one thing you wish more people understood about your business?"
"Who’s had the biggest influence on your professional journey?"
2. The Handshake: More Than Just a Grip (Additional Tips)
A good handshake can make you memorable, but a bad one will make you forgettable:
Too soft? They might think you’re unsure of yourself.
Too firm? You might make them question if you’re training for a wrestling match.
Best move: A confident but relaxed handshake with a smile 🙂. It’s all in the details - hold the handshake for a second, make eye contact, and you’re good to go 🤝.
3. How to Introduce Yourself: Make a Memorable First Impression
When introducing yourself, clarity and confidence are key. You don’t need a long speech—just a few sentences that are direct, clear, and memorable. Here’s a simple and effective structure:
State your name + Role and Company + Passionate about/ Working on
Example:
"Hi, I’m [Your Name], founder of [Company Name]. We help small businesses streamline their operations through automation tools. I’m passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to work smarter, not harder. We’re currently working on a new product feature that’ll make it even easier for clients to scale."
4. The Pitch: The Art of Talking About Your Business (without Sounding Salesy)
A great pitch should focus on what problems you solve and how you add value, rather than just talking about your product. Keep it short and compelling. Here’s the structure for a solid pitch:
Problem + Your Solution + Why You + The Ask
Example Pitch:
"At [Company Name], we help small businesses save time and reduce operational costs by automating routine tasks. Our platform is intuitive, affordable, and custom-built to meet the unique needs of small companies. If you know any businesses struggling with manual processes, I’d love to chat about how we can help."
Pro Tip: Keep it conversational. People connect more with stories and genuine passion than a rehearsed pitch. Avoid coming off like you’re reading from a script—let your excitement for your work shine through!
5. How to Talk: Keep It Engaging (and Not Boring)
No one likes the “Tell me about yourself” question on repeat. Spice up your conversation by asking quirky, thought-provoking questions:
"What’s the one thing you wish your customers knew about your product?"
"If you could swap places with anyone here, who would it be and why?"
"What’s been your most unexpected learning moment as an entrepreneur?"
"If you had a time machine, what’s one mistake you would avoid in your business?"
These questions show you’re genuinely interested in their experience, not just their business card.
6. How to Market Your Service: Don’t Be ‘That’ Guy (Examples That Work)
Instead of the hard sell, go for a subtle approach that lets your service shine without overwhelming them.
Instead of: "We have the best solution. You need us."
Try: "We’ve worked with companies like [insert brand], and helped them [specific result]. We could do the same for you—what’s something your business needs right now?"
Instead of: "We’re the fastest-growing company in the market!"
Try: "We’ve focused on improving [key pain point], and it’s been a game-changer for our clients. Could that help you too?"
The focus should be on results, not your product’s "amazingness." Real stories win 🚀.
7. How to Follow Up: Don’t Ghost Them (More Follow-Up Ideas)
You don’t want to be the person who makes connections but never follows up. Keep your follow-up casual, and add a bit of humor to make it stand out.
"Hey [Name], still thinking about our conversation on [topic]—I promise I’m not a robot, just a founder trying to stay connected!"
"I enjoyed chatting with you about [specific topic]—let’s grab a coffee and continue the conversation!"
"I’m going to start recommending your company to everyone I know—no pressure, right?"
The key: Make them remember you for your personality and approachability!
Conclusion: Your Network is Your Net Worth
Networking is more than just exchanging business cards—it’s about building relationships that can shape the future of your business. Whether you’re looking for investors, co-founders, or valuable advice, these steps will help you network with confidence and authenticity.
So, join us at the upcoming networking event on February 6. It’s your chance to meet the right people and create connections that could change everything for your business! More details about the event here.
Warm regards,
Jaynish Shah
Community Lead, Startup+
StartupPlus.club
Let’s continue the conversation on LinkedIn: Jaynish Shah