Beyond Business Cards: How to Network with Confidence

After living in a location for several decades, I recently moved to another state and began networking with other professionals. It reminded me of the exciting opportunity of making new connections, but also how some people are challenged by this process. How do you stand out (in a good way) and make connections that last beyond the event? At a recent meeting, someone walked up to me and handed me a business card before we even began to talk. That stood out to me! Do you think that will be a valuable relationship?

Here are five simple communication strategies to help you leave a lasting positive impression:

✅ 1. Walk Up with Awareness and Confidence

Approaching a stranger might feel uncomfortable, but awareness and confidence are key. Observe the other person’s body posture first. Are they open to meeting people? Are they involved in another conversation. Are they making eye contact with you?  Use open body language, smile, and say something like:
👉 “Hi, mind if I join you?”
👉 “What brought you here today?”

You don’t need the perfect opener—just a friendly one. Avoid groups that are actively engaged in conversation while in a circle facing each other. Perhaps another person or group would be more open.

👂 2. Be a Better Listener

The people who leave an impression aren’t the ones who talk the most—they’re the ones who make others feel heard.
Ask open-ended questions like:
➡️ “What do you enjoy most about your work?”
➡️ “How did you get into your field?”

Then listen—really listen. Make eye contact, nod, and respond thoughtfully. Do not interrupt or take the focus away from them. Do you know anything about that person when you walk away!

🔄 3. Keep the Conversation Flowing

Avoid rapid-fire questions or long-winded monologues. Instead, create a natural back-and-forth:
✅ Share something relevant.
✅ Ask a follow-up question.
✅ Reflect their tone and energy.   

✅ Look for free information (something they are wearing, the name of their company, etc.)

Think of it as a tennis match, not a lecture. Do not monopolize the conversation!

🙋 4. Exit with Professionalism

Not every conversation will last forever. Say something like:
🗨️ “It’s been great chatting with you. Let’s keep in touch—do you have a card?”
Then move on graciously.

📬 5. Always Follow Up

Connections fade without follow-up. Send a quick message within 24 hours—mention something you talked about and suggest staying in touch. It turns that brief conversation into a relationship.

👋 Final Thought

You don’t have to be the most extroverted person in the room. Just be curious, present, and intentional. A genuine conversation can go further than a dozen rushed ones.

🔁 What’s your go-to networking tip?
I’d love to hear from you!