Are you experiencing networking fatigue?
- Rachel Tomlinson
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
Grow your brand with intention.
This month I was invited to host an event with Modern Wife for NYFW at the W Hoboken.
I had this event on my calendar for two reasons: intentional networking and brand promotion. This year I made an intention, to be very purposeful and strategic with invites and events I attend. I think we’ve all been to that event, that leads us wondering, “how did I get here?”
Next week I will be speaking on a panel at Building Her Dreams on how to sustain energy and passion while growing your business and personal brand. Burnout is real. Many of us stay busy but still feel like we are not reaching our highest goals.
Events like these remind me that growing your business also includes being at the right place, at the right time and connecting with the right people. It’s not just about visibility. It is about true connections.
Here are my top takeaways on connecting with people and truly winning with people at events.
Networking With Intention: 6 Lessons From Hosting an Event
1. Set your intention before you arrive
Before you walk into any room, decide why you are there.
Are you looking to learn from an expertBuild investor relationshipsSecure retail placementGrow brand awarenessStrengthen your digital presence
For me, I wanted to meet fellow entrepreneurs, explore opportunities to get my products in store, and grow engagement across my platforms.
I enjoy attending events alone because I can leave when I’m ready. Clarity creates confidence. Confidence changes how you show up.
2. Focus on connection, not collection
It is not about how many business cards you hand out.
Look for natural and organic conversations. At the same time, push yourself slightly beyond your comfort zone and introduce yourself to someone you’re sitting next to, waiting on line to the restroom, give a genuine compliment or a smile works too.
A simple, “Which session are you excited about or did you try these ___ or that speaker was so good, what did you think?” “Let us stay connected on LinkedIn or Instagram?” works well.
Strong networks are built through aligned conversations, not forced exchanges. Keep it genuine. Stay true to you. If you’re being genuine, kind and respectful and you feel an awkward exchange, don’t think too much into it. You live, you learn and you grow.
3. Follow up with intention
If someone shares their information, send a thoughtful follow up note.
A simple message works:“Great meeting you at NYFW. I enjoyed our conversation about retail expansion. Here is the link I mentioned.”
Most people do not follow up. That is your opportunity to stand out.
4. Lead with value
Ask how you can support what they are building.
Can you share their eventEngage with their contentIntroduce them to someone in your networkPurchase or promote their product
When you focus on adding value first, relationships grow faster and more authentically.
5. Have fun and be mindful of your energy.
This one, I’m really working on.
I used to stay to the end of events and capturing so much content. As I’m maturing, I prefer to listen more than I speak. Observe the room. Try to be present, versus posting live.
My mental note: “Rachel, not every moment needs to be captured for content.”
If you need to step aside to create or respond to something important, do it with intention. I also believe in leaving before my energy dips. Ending on a high note allows me to move to my next commitment focused and refreshed.
Time and energy are your most valuable assets as a founder.
6. Upgrade your conversation starters
“What do you do?” feels transactional.
Instead, try:Is this your first event like this?What inspired you to attend?Are you working on anything exciting right nowWhat did you think about the panel?Are you in the tech, art, finance, or creative space
As the conversation flows naturally, the details about titles and roles will come.
People connect with people before they connect with positions.
As I prepare for the Building Her Dreams panel, I am reminded that success is rarely about doing more. It is about doing what’s needed with intention, energy, and heart.
Burnout happens when we chase noise, trends and being busy just for optics.Momentum builds when we nurture relationships and invest in what is working.
If you are growing a business or personal brand this year, focus less on being everywhere and more on being intentional wherever you are.
Quality connections will always outperform quantity.
Give yourself grace, remember #5, have FUN!
What is one networking strategy that has worked for you?
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