Last Thursday, I attended a talk by Andrew Smith, a professional networking coach, during an event organised by one of my regular groups, Women Connect. His presentation inspired me to reflect on what I’ve learned so far about networking and how powerful it can be when done with the right mindset.
Women Connect networking event at Balfour+Manson, Aberdeen . ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
1. Networking Is About Helping, Not Selling
The biggest misconception about networking is that it’s a place to sell. It’s not. The main purpose of networking is to help others. When we focus on giving value, sharing knowledge, and offering support, we naturally build trust, and from trust, business relationships grow.
“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.”
Networking is most effective when we approach it with genuine curiosity and the intention to connect, not to close a deal.
2. Network with Intention
Be clear about why you’re there. Are you looking to meet potential collaborators, suppliers, or clients? When you network with purpose, your conversations become more meaningful. It’s not about collecting business cards; it’s about creating relationships that last beyond the meeting.
3. Understanding Different Networking Styles
Not all networking events are the same, and it’s important to adjust your approach depending on the format.
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Speed Networking
Speed networking is fast-paced, it’s about creating visibility and meeting as many people as possible. Think of it like professional speed dating: you only have a few minutes to make an impression and find common ground.
The goal is not to form deep connections right away, but to identify potential referral partners or people you could collaborate with in the future.
Here are a few tips for speed networking:
Ask meaningful questions that help you understand how you could help each other.
Take quick notes about the person’s goals or challenges.
Always follow up afterwards, send a message, share an article that might interest them, or simply thank them for the chat. This small action shows credibility and turns a brief encounter into a relationship.
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Deeper Networking (One-to-One Meetings)
Other types of networking focus on depth over speed. These are the one-to-one meetings where you can explore someone’s business more thoroughly.
“The richest people in the world look for and build networks; everyone else looks for work.”
In these sessions, the goal is to understand the person behind the business, their motivations, challenges, and what kind of connections might benefit them. These deeper conversations build trust and long-term collaboration.
BNI networking event - Hall of Fame, Stonehaven. © Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
BNI networking event. © Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
BNI networking event. © Leticia Gaidon Bradford Photography
4. The Balance Between Breadth and Depth
Successful networking combines both: the breadth of visibility and new introductions, and the depth of real, personal connections. One without the other isn’t enough. You need visibility to be known, and depth to be remembered and trusted.
“The secret of success in networking lies not in the quantity of connections we make but in the quality of relationships we build.”
5. Networking Through Relaxed and Social Experiences
Not all networking happens in meeting rooms or online sessions. Some of the most enjoyable and genuine connections are made during social-style networking events, the ones designed to help people connect in a more natural, relaxed way.
These gatherings often include an activity, dinner, or cocktails, and focus on building relationships through shared experiences rather than formal pitches.
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
Women Connect networking event, Aberdeen City. ©Leticia Gaidon Bradfdord Photography
For example, events where you can learn a new skill, attend a creative workshop, or share a meal allow conversations to flow more easily and authentically. They help you see the person behind the business, which often leads to deeper, longer-lasting relationships.
Whether it’s a Women Connect evening with a guest speaker, a high-focus BNI meeting where we pitch to the room, or a one-to-one deep connection, these spaces help us create opportunities to make new friends and grow our businesses, because business connections can also be fun, personal, and inspiring.
Let’s always keep in mind that networking is about building a community of mutual support. The more you give, the more you grow.
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