If you have ever left a networking event wondering why you went in the first place, you are not alone. At our recent Lunch & Learn, business strategist and serial entrepreneur Saba Chishti of Inara Consulting shared insights on how to make every networking conversation count. Here are five key strategies from her talk to make networking intentional, effective, and even enjoyable.
Her approach is simple: walk into the room with clarity, walk out with real opportunities.
1. Vet the event before you go
Before committing to an event, Saba suggests finding out who is going to be there, what industries will be represented, and whether they align with your goals. Look at the host, the location, and any available guest information to see if your target audience will be in the room.
You can do this by:
- Checking the event description and agenda
- Looking at past event photos or posts
- Reviewing the event page for attendees or sponsors
- Emailing the organizer if details are unclear
The more prepared you are, the easier it becomes to spot the right people and start conversations that matter.
Knowing in advance who you want to meet and confirming that they are likely to be there saves you time and increases the odds that the event will be worth it.
2. Know your target market
Too many entrepreneurs say “everyone” when asked who they serve. Saba challenged attendees to define their ideal client, partner, or hire in detail, from age range and profession to shared values. She prompted a useful exercise:
“Now, if you’re currently in business, let’s start thinking about our top three clients. Those clients that, if you could reproduce tenfold, you would never have to worry about money. Do any of those top three clients share characteristics?”
This often reveals that your real audience is not the one you expected. By identifying patterns among your best clients, you can focus your networking and marketing efforts on attracting more of the right people instead of trying to reach everyone.
3. Build your pitch kit
Saba recommends having three versions of your introduction:
- 1-sentence hook that sparks curiosity
- 15-second pitch explaining who you help and how
- 60-second elevator pitch that shares your unique value
The hook matters. Saba shared how a pelvic floor physical therapist she coached started by introducing herself as “I’m a physical therapist.” People would nod politely and move on. Then she tried “I’m a pelvic floor physical therapist,” which often made people uncomfortable or uninterested. Finally, she shifted to:
“I help women stop peeing their pants.”
That one sentence quickly filled her schedule, gave her the momentum to open a multidisciplinary healthcare practice, and started conversations with people who might never have been her clients but knew someone who needed her help.
4. Start and end conversations with intention
People love to talk about themselves, so lead with genuine curiosity: “What brings you here?” “Who are you looking to meet?”
If the conversation is not a match, exit politely while still adding value: “Now that I know who you are looking for, if I meet them tonight, I will send them your way.” This approach keeps the interaction positive and leaves the door open for future opportunities.
5. Follow up with consistency
Networking does not end when you leave the room. Connect on LinkedIn, send a quick thank-you note, or share a resource related to your conversation. And be patient. Saba reminded attendees:
“Nashville is the city of touch points. You have to meet people five or six times, and they have to hear about you from three more people before you start to do business.”
The takeaway
Whether you are looking for clients, collaborators, or investors, networking with purpose can turn a room full of strangers into a list of opportunities.
Saba’s advice is clear:
- Do your homework before the event
- Get specific about who you want to meet
- Craft a pitch that opens doors
- Engage meaningfully and exit with care when needed
- Follow up consistently
When you know who you want to meet and how to connect with them, every conversation can count. Put these strategies into practice at your next event and see how much more value you bring home.
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