#networking tips

hey lovelies! ✧

let's be honest - we've all been there. standing in a room full of people, smile plastered on, while our internal monologue is having a complete meltdown. that was literally me last weekend at this networking event where i knew absolutely no one and spent the first 15 minutes hiding in the bathroom (classic me behavior).

but over time i've collected some little tricks that help me appear confident even when my insides are doing gymnastics. thought i'd share in case any of you are fellow social anxiety girlies too!

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ the body language hack ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

our bodies can actually trick our minds into feeling confident. before entering any intimidating social situation, i find a private spot (usually the bathroom, let's be real) and stand in a "power pose" for two minutes. arms on hips, shoulders back, chin up. it feels silly but it genuinely changes my nervous system.

another tiny thing: keep your hands visible, not crossed or hidden in pockets. something about this signals confidence to others and eventually to yourself.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ prepare your conversation toolkit ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

nothing makes me panic more than awkward silence, so i always have a mental list of conversation starters ready. not just "what do you do?" but questions that actually lead somewhere interesting:

"what's been keeping you busy outside of work lately?"

"have you read/watched anything good recently?"

"what's something you're looking forward to this year?"

the secret is asking questions that you genuinely want to hear answers to. people can sense authentic curiosity, and it takes pressure off you to be "interesting" when you're focused on being interested.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ the "i belong here" mindset shift ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

this one changed everything for me. i used to walk into rooms thinking "i hope they like me" which immediately put me in a position of seeking approval. now i try to shift to "i wonder if i'll like them."

it's such a subtle change but it puts you in the position of the observer rather than the observed. suddenly you're not auditioning for acceptance - you're just seeing if this person/group is your vibe.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ embrace the awkward ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

the biggest confidence killer is trying to be perfect. there's actually something magnetic about someone who can laugh at themselves when they trip over a word or spill their drink.

i've started just naming the awkwardness when it happens: "well that came out completely wrong, let me try again!" people actually connect more with your humanity than your perfection.

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ the 5-second reset ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

when i feel myself spiraling into overthinking, i use this tiny reset: i take a deep breath, count to 5, and remind myself that most people are too worried about themselves to be analyzing me.

seriously, the same insecurity that makes you worry about what others think is the exact thing that prevents others from thinking about you as much as you fear!

⋆.ೃ࿔:･ aftercare is essential ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

confidence isn't just about how you act in the moment - it's also about how you treat yourself after. i used to dissect every interaction, cringing at everything i said.

now i have a rule: no social autopsies. instead, i celebrate that i showed up at all. sometimes i'll even buy myself a little treat on the way home as a "well done for being brave" gift.

remember, true confidence isn't the absence of fear - it's just the decision that something else is more important than that fear. and with practice, those screaming-inside moments get quieter and less frequent.

what about you? any confidence hacks that help you in social situations?

xoxo, mindy 🤍

Top Ten Ways To Make Friends In Business

Making friends is hard, especially when you’re as intimidating as we all are, right gang? Here are some handy tips to grease the slippery slope of adult business friendship. Avoid attending events and conferences: Industry events and conferences can be a great way to meet new people and make connections in business, but they reek of desperation and really don’t help you find the right people.…

✨ IRL ✨

Start with people you know. You have a built-in network of friends, family, and acquaintances. Take advantage of this if you haven't already! Ask them to talk about your business with others; you never know who might be interested.

Attend seminars / networking events hosted by established aestheticians, skincare brands, people in the beauty industry in general. Go prepared with business cards (I know we're in a social era and business cards are considered old-fashioned, but they're something the other person can hold onto and "stumble upon" later on, unlike an Instagram handle which can easily be forgotten).

Host a small gathering of your own if you prefer and invite people in your area; they don't even have to be in the same field as you.

Speaking of not being in the same field as you, don’t limit yourself to your own industry. Reach out to people from different backgrounds, they could be great connections down the line!

When networking, help people and really mean it. It’s the best way to build genuine relationships. Avoid focusing on what you can get out of networking, rather view it as a way for you to be an asset to others; that way they'll keep you in mind and return the favour.

Don't forget to follow-up with anyone you met, even if you spoke to them briefly. If you had a conversation with someone and you exchanged details, it's considered good practice to keep in touch with them. You can build that relationship there.

✨ ONLINE ✨

Follow people in your field with a small following. Smaller, upcoming businesses tend to follow back and support one another. Keep in touch with them by commenting on their posts, liking them, sharing them on your stories and they'll likely do the same for you. This is how you get your name out there.

A carefully crafted feed can be the first step to success. If your content has a consistent aesthetic, you’ll give your followers a sense of familiarity and create a community that cares about you/your brand. A social media template pack (that you can purchase for cheap on Creative Market or create on your own on Canva) is helpful when it comes to this.

Switch to a business profile to keep tabs on your analytics to see which posts are doing well and which ones aren't, that way you can recreate the successful posts and avoid the ones that didn’t take off!

Post more carousels and reels, Instagram seems to favour them and pull more of a reach than single posts do. Post them consistently. Reels are especially helpful if filmed properly (correct dimensions, popular sounds, using tags, etc.). I recently posted my first reel and it landed on the explore page and therefore was exposed to hundreds of thousands of people. I gained a total of 1k followers since then (posted it on May 13th) and it currently has 724k views. My other reels are slowly getting views too and I think it has to do with this one reel. As with everything on social media, post consistently.

Get on Twitter if you aren’t already. I’ve noticed a lot of aestheticians on there networking and promoting their business and willing to help other aestheticians as well.

Use a scheduling app if you're busy or want to post a certain time and can't do it manually. You need to post when everyone is online and that may not be a time where you are free, so use a scheduling app.

Lastly, observe your competition (or your inspirations!) and what they're doing. Take notes. Everyone has a different formula for success but you can adapt their successful marketing strategies into your business model.

Introduction

Attending business networking events new york can open doors to valuable opportunities, from new partnerships to consistent referrals. However, simply showing up isn’t enough. To truly benefit, you need a clear strategy and the right mindset. With proper preparation, you can turn brief introductions into long-term professional relationships that support your business growth.

In this guide, we’ll walk through practical steps to help you confidently prepare for networking events and make lasting connections.

Why Preparation Matters for Networking Success

Stand Out in a Competitive Environment

New York is a fast-paced, highly competitive market. Preparing in advance ensures you make a strong first impression and don’t get lost in the crowd.

Maximize Every Interaction

When you attend business networking events new york with a plan, each conversation becomes more meaningful and purposeful, increasing your chances of building genuine relationships.

Research the Event and Attendees

Understand the Event Type

Not all events are the same. Some focus on specific industries, while others are broader. Knowing the format helps you tailor your approach.

Identify Key Attendees

Look for attendee lists or event pages. If possible, research individuals or companies you want to connect with. This preparation makes conversations more relevant and engaging.

Prepare Your Elevator Pitch

Keep It Clear and Concise

Your introduction should explain who you are, what you do, and how you help others—all in under 30 seconds.

Focus on Value

Instead of listing services, highlight the problems you solve. This approach resonates more during professional networking events and encourages meaningful dialogue.

Set Clear Goals Before Attending

Define What Success Looks Like

Are you looking for referrals, partnerships, or brand visibility? Setting goals helps you stay focused throughout the event.

Limit Your Objectives

Rather than trying to meet everyone, aim for a few quality conversations. This is especially important in local business networking groups, where deeper connections matter more than quantity.

Master the Art of Conversation

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Engage others by asking thoughtful questions about their business and goals. This builds rapport and shows genuine interest.

Listen More Than You Talk

Active listening is key to forming authentic relationships. People remember those who truly listen.

Follow Up Effectively After the Event

Act Within 24–48 Hours

Send a personalized message referencing your conversation. This helps you stay memorable.

Provide Value in Your Follow-Up

Share a helpful resource, make an introduction, or suggest a meeting. Strong follow-ups turn initial connections into long-term opportunities.

Leverage Consistency for Long-Term Results

Attend Regularly

Success in networking doesn’t happen overnight. Regular participation in business networking events new york builds trust and familiarity.

Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts

Focus on nurturing connections over time. Strong relationships often lead to referrals, collaborations, and business growth.

Conclusion

Preparing for business networking events new york is the key to making meaningful and lasting connections. By researching attendees, refining your pitch, setting clear goals, and following up effectively, you position yourself for real success. Networking is not just about exchanging business cards—it’s about building relationships that create long-term value.