Danielle Hughes met one of her closest friends in an elevator after a networking event, not during it. By her own admission, she made zero real connections inside the event that night. But on the elevator ride down, she complimented a stranger’s Marimekko dress. The two chatted before the doors opened, exchanged LinkedIn profiles, and set up a one-on-one call. Nine years later, they have referred clients back and forth, hired each other, and built a deeply supportive friendship.
I asked 12 brilliant women founders and consultants for their absolute best networking tips. I expected standard tips about collecting business cards and perfecting 30-second elevator pitches. Instead, these powerhouse leaders shared a far more transformative truth: one genuine, soul-aligned conversation will always outperform a room full of transactional pitch fests. Even better? What you do after the event matters infinitely more than anything you say while you are in the room.
Let us dive into their top strategies so you can transform how you connect, build real momentum, and create extraordinary business relationships.
What to Do Before You Ever Step Foot in the Room
The most successful networkers know that walking into the room is the easy part. Your preparation determines your outcome.
Dr. Catrise Austin practices the “3 Before 30 Rule.” Before attending, identify three key people you would genuinely love to meet, and spend 30 minutes researching the event, speakers, and attendees. You are not researching to impress them with facts; you are researching to uncover authentic points of human connection.
Bobbie Carlton, founder of Innovation Women and Innovation Nights, approaches events as an introvert by setting a heart-centered goal: find three people to help. By focusing on offering value, making introductions, or directing lost attendees, she turns social anxiety into purposeful connection.
