This week, I’ve got three networking events on my calendar (hello, extrovert season! 🎉), and it got me thinking: showing up is one thing, but showing up prepared is what makes all the difference.

I never just roll into a networking event hoping for the best. I treat it like a job interview and that means doing a little homework ahead of time, so when I walk into the room, I already know exactly who I want to connect with.

If you’ve ever felt a little awkward at networking events (first of all, same 🙋‍♀️), or wondered how to turn online relationships into real ones, here’s my simple process for making it all feel a whole lot easier and way more natural.

(Hint hint: it involves Instagram and a little bit of sleuthing 👀🔎)

Why Online and Offline Connections Matter

Before we dive into the "how," let's talk about the "why."

Social media allows us to find like-minded individuals, business owners, collaborators, and mentors with just a few clicks. But building real-life relationships from online connections helps deepen that bond, build trust, and create opportunities that simply can't happen through DMs alone.

When you combine social media networking strategy with in-person connection, you’re tapping into the best of both worlds:

• Online: Reach new people, research their work, nurture conversations.

• Offline: Create genuine bonds, spark collaborations, and be memorable.

Step 1: Find Out Who's Attending the Event

The first step in networking event preparation is doing a little detective work! 🕵️‍♀️
Whenever I'm invited to a networking event, I don't just show up and hope for the best. I research who will be in the room.

Here’s what I do:

• Check the Facebook Event page to see who is listed as "Going."

• If the guest list isn’t public, I’ll reach out to the event organizer and ask, “Would you mind sharing a few key businesses or people I can expect to see?”

• If the event is posted elsewhere (like on Eventbrite or Meetup), sometimes the attendee list is available there too.

Knowing who will be there allows me to be strategic. I'm not trying to meet everyone. I'm focusing on meeting the right people who align with my business goals, interests, or future collaborations.

Step 2: Do Your Research Beforehand

Once I know who's attending, it’s time for the prep work. Think of a networking event the same way you would think of a job interview. You wouldn’t walk into an interview without knowing anything about the company and you shouldn’t walk into a networking event that way either!

How I prepare:

• Follow their business on social media. Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, wherever they’re most active.

• Read their most recent posts. This will give you an idea what is is going on behind-the-scenes at the organization.

• Check their website. Learn about their mission, values, products, or services.

• Look for conversation starters. Maybe they just celebrated an anniversary, won an award, or launched a new service. These are gold nuggets for genuine conversation.

By preparing ahead of time, I’m not scrambling for small talk. Instead, I walk into the room already knowing what they care about and how we might connect authentically.

Bonus tip: People LOVE to talk about themselves so have questions based on what you learned on hand.

Extra Bonus Tip: Make a quick list in your phone's notes app so you’re not overwhelmed when you arrive.

Step 3: Arrive With a Purpose

When the day of the event comes, I walk in with a clear mission: Focus on connection, not collection.

It’s tempting to hand out a hundred business cards or collect a stack yourself.
But effective networking is not about volume, it’s about quality.

Here’s my mindset going in:

• Aim to have meaningful conversations with 3–5 people.

• Don't treat it like a transaction; treat it like the start of a relationship.

• Be curious, ask thoughtful questions, and listen more than you talk.

Because I've done my research, I’m confident and relaxed. I’m not just “winging it.” And people feel that energy. When you show up genuinely interested in them, it leaves a much stronger impression than any pitch could.

Step 4: Follow Up (and Nurture the Relationship)

If you do nothing else, follow up after the event! This is where most people drop the ball, but it’s where real connections are solidified.

My follow-up strategy:

• Send a personalized DM on social media, thanking them for the conversation.

• Mention something specific you talked about to jog their memory.

• Offer a way to stay connected, whether that's grabbing coffee, connecting on LinkedIn, or supporting their business.

Following up shows professionalism, enthusiasm, and sincerity. And because you already followed their social accounts before the event, continuing the conversation feels natural and not spammy.

Over time, I use social media to nurture those relationships:

• Comment on their posts.

• Share their wins.

• Send a supportive DM every once in a while.

That’s how you transform an initial meeting into a lasting business relationship.

Why This Process Works

Using this social media networking strategy ensures that:

• My social media followers aren't just random strangers - they’re people I have real connections with.

• I’m growing my business network with quality leads and potential collaborators.

• I’m investing time into relationships that are aligned with my business and personal growth.

At the end of the day, business networking isn't about selling yourself.
It's about building trust and trust is built through familiarity, consistency, and authenticity.

By combining online research with real-life conversations and thoughtful follow-up, you're creating a relationship pipeline that’s genuine and sustainable.

Final Tips for Successful Networking

If you’re gearing up for your own networking events, here are a few final reminders:
✨ Prepare like you would for an interview.
✨ Focus on quality over quantity.
✨ Listen more than you speak.
✨ Follow up promptly and meaningfully.
✨ Use social media to keep the relationship alive.

Networking isn’t just about who you know. It’s about who knows you (and remembers you) for the right reasons.

So the next time you RSVP "Yes" to an event, take a few minutes to prepare.
Your future clients, collaborators, and friends are waiting for you and you’ll be ready to meet them with confidence. 😊