# Networking made easy: 5 tips for successful networking

- URL: https://hr-passionista.com/en/networking-made-easy-5-tips-for-better-connections/
- Published: 2026-01-28
- Updated: 2026-01-28
- Author: Marion Eppinger (HR-Passionista)
- Categories: communication, content & influencing, employer branding

> Practical networking tips: how to build stronger connections, approach people confidently and grow your professional network.

##### The autumn events calendar is filling up with lots of great events, and it’s important to take advantage of them, either to build and maintain your own network or simply to expand your reach.

The **most important** thing is **to be prepared and have a plan, as a**ll **three factors** play an **important role in networking.**

This means having enough **up-to-date business cards,** as well as your **own company presentation, prepared** as **a** short and snappy **elevator pitch** that you can deliver at any time. **Spontaneous networking** **can** also **be very fruitful at times,** of course. However, before you rushing off to attend every event, you should **think strategically** about what **really makes sense for you and your business.**

### I have **summarised the best** way **to do** this in **5 tips** for you below**.** So let’s **take** a **closer** look**:**

### **Target group analysis**

**Think** about who your **target group** is and where you **might find** them**.** Do you have an offer that you want to promote? **Work out exactly** who these **people** **are,** **where they are, and how** you **can** best **reach** them so that you can **address** them **specifically**.

### **Online versus analogue**

Covid-19 has shown us that **networking** can be done both **online and offline.** This **momentum remains** and **it’s** the **combination of the two that makes the difference**. Finding the right **good balance between social media platforms such as LinkedIn / Xing / Instagram, online meetings and face-to-face events** is a good way to **build** a **strong network.**

### **See and be seen**

Some **events** are **essential for your network**. **The question is not** whether you **want to be there**, but that **you participate** to demonstrate your commitment to **the community**. **It is** also **important,** of course, that an **event** is **interesting in terms of content**, and **not just a chance to be seen**. To this end, it is **important** **to use social media** to **spread** the **message as widely as possible** and **to arrange dates for networking.** This allows you **to promote not only yourself, your company and the event**, and thus **engaging in self-promotion** as **a „mini-influencer“ with no extra effort**. This also serves as **a good conversation starter:**

> *„We saw each other at the XY event, but unfortunately we didn’t get a chance to talk through everything on the agenda. Maybe we can catch up over a coffee next week?“*

### **Target specific contacts**

**Less is often more.** Think about **which contacts will benefit** you **most** initially**.** Approach them **in a targeted and prepared** **manner**. Decide on the **topics you want to discuss** or suggest **as to what should be discussed in detail**. This always makes a **good impression.**

> *For example: „I saw on social media that you are involved in topic XY. I am currently working on an XY project so we could discuss this further? We can support each other!“*

### **Follow up**

**Follow up on** every **networking meeting**. **Either connect online via various platforms** or arrange a **follow-up meeting** to continue the discussion. A **good networker understands** that it often **takes more than just one conversation to stay connected.**

It sounds easier than it is, right? One thing is certain**: if you take networking seriously,** it will be time-consuming and you will **have to put in the effort.** Regardless of your personality type, if you **strike** the **right balance between in-person and online networking**, you’ll be well on your **way to building a strong network**. One thing remains undisputed: **networks do not develop overnight.** Building trust takes **time and patience** but **with the right approach,** you can soon **have positive advocates and supporters on your side.**

![](https://hr-passionista.com/media/2025/11/DSC01841-Edit.jpg)

### My conclusion

**Having a good network** can **be beneficial in all situations**, whether **you are looking for a service provider** or **a good employee**. **People tend to rely on recommendations** rather than **seeking out** **new contacts**. Throughout **my career**, I have **repeatedly found** that **the following saying** still holds true, whatever you may think of it:

> *„It’s not what you know, but who you know!“*

With that in mind, **enjoy networking!** And if you *want to expand your network right here and now*, follow me on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/marion-eppinger/), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/EppingerMarion) or [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/hrpassionista/?hl=de). **It’s your first step towards increasing your reach,** and I **look forward to connecting** with you! 🙂