1 : Read the room.

We’re drawn to people who engage with us in a way that feels natural and matches our own style of interaction.

Paying attention to someone’s body language and tone gives you an insight into their communication style. Are they animated, loud, enthusiastic, or perhaps soft-spoken? Do they gesture a lot or maintain a calm demeanor? 

Observing these subtleties allows you to adapt your communication style and “mirror” the person’s energy to create a natural sense of ease between you? 

The goal is to have the person enjoy talking to you enough that they’ll want to talk to you again in the future. 

2: First impressions sticks (so make it count)

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and they’re right.

Humans judge fast—real fast. Within seconds, we’ve decided what we think about you, fair or not. Be intentional in how you present yourself : 

• Dress for the room – if you’re going to wear a jacket, make sure it doesn’t look like it’s been wadded up in a drawer.
• Have an open body language: make eye contact and smile like you mean it 
• Show some confidence : introduce yourself clearly, avoid wet noodle handshake. 

3: Build the bridge before crossing it

Want to be interesting? Start by being interested.

Networking isn’t about racing to your end goal or “getting something from someone”. 

People can tell when you’re actually engaged or just biding time to make your next point. 

So, ask questions and actually listen. Don’t interrupt with your “better story” or look over their shoulder for the next contact. 

Take a breath, and ease into the conversation. Ask about the person’s day, something light and low-pressure. 

Engage with their interest – even if they aren’t your thing. That makes someone feel valued and this feeling is memorable.

The art of subtlety is powerful – you’ll be amazed at how much more they’ll be willing to engage after a genuine conversation warm-up. 

4: Find common ground beyond the basics 

People like to engage with others who share the same interests

Pay attention to someone’s energy when they talk about something they love (and it doesn’t have to be work related). Maybe it’s their family, their latest Netflix obsession, or a new hobby. 

If you find a way to relate – a common ground on which you’ll be able to engage genuinely – you’ll access a level of connection that will make the discussion enjoyable for both of you. Give them a space to talk about what they enjoy in life. Go beyond work. For this, you have to ask questions and be curious.

5: End on a High Note, not a Sigh

Every conversation has a natural endpoint. 

You don’t want to hold your new friend hostage or end on an awkward note after this new formed connection! 

Wrap it on a high note, and make it easy for them to want to keep in touch and follow-up. 

You can say something like : 

“I really enjoyed our conversation and would like to continue this sometime! How about we     catch up next week with more time?”. 

Exiting smoothly with a plan for next steps ensures your listener will remember you fondly.

6: Be Memorable By Remembering

In a world of endless distractions and sollicitations, few things are more memorable than someone who truly pays attention and remembers your kid’s name or your favorite hobby. 

Remembering meaningful details about someone makes them feel seen, valued and genuinely appreciated. Someone you’d like to work with, basically. 

Next call, don’t hesitate to bring it up! 

• hobby: ‘How was that challenging hike you mentioned last time?”
• family: “How did Elia settle back into school?”
• company: “How was your secret team event you were preparing last time?”

If you don’t have a good memory, write down short notes about who’s who straight after a networking event. Write three meaningful things you remember about your conversation. 

6: Follow through (for real)

Last but not least, if you say you’re going to do something, actually do it. 

If you tell someone, “I’ll shoot you an email on Friday,” make sure it’s there by Friday. 

Following through builds trust and shows you’re serious about staying connected. A quick follow-up message seals the deal and sets you apart from the crowd of people who just “network and forget.”

Networking is about creating genuine human connections, and there’s a subtle art to building a solid bridge for a lasting one. These principles are simple but powerful, and they apply in any social setting. When you train yourself to be fully present and genuinely care about the person in front of you, you’ll be amazed by the meaningful connections you create—and how often they lead to more than just meeting your original agenda.