How to Network at a Networking Event: A Practical Singapore Guide
To network at a networking event, decide before you arrive who you want to meet and why, prepare a two-sentence introduction and three open questions, then aim for a few real conversations rather than as many name cards as possible. End each chat with a clear next step and follow up within days.
This guide is for people attending business mixers, industry nights, conference networking breaks and company events in Singapore. It covers what to do before, during and after the event, plus a short note for organisers. If you are planning an event where guests need to meet each other, ask us for a proposal.
Before the event: set a goal and do light research
Most awkward networking comes from arriving without a purpose. Singapore Global Network advises that you make a list of what you aim to achieve by attending, to stay focused and have productive conversations.
A useful goal is specific and small. For example:
- Learn: understand how two other companies handle a problem you face at work.
- Meet: speak to one speaker and two people from a sector you want to know better.
- Help: find one person you can introduce to someone in your own network.
Next, check who is likely to attend. Many event pages list speakers, sponsors or exhibitors. NTU’s career office suggests that before recruitment events and networking sessions you review the list of participating companies and prepare meaningful questions. The same habit works at any business event.
Finally, sort out the practical details. Bring name cards or have a quick way to share your LinkedIn profile. Charge your phone. Check the venue, the start time and the dress code, so you arrive calm rather than rushed.
Prepare a short introduction and three good questions
Your introduction should be two or three sentences. Say your name, what you do in plain words, and what brought you to this event. Skip job titles that need explaining. If someone wants more detail, they will ask.
Here is a simple pattern you can adapt:
- “Hi, I’m Mei Ling. I look after employee events for a logistics company.”
- “I came tonight because we are reviewing how we run our town halls.”
- “What brings you here?”
Then prepare three open questions. Open questions start with what, how or why, and cannot be answered with yes or no. Good options include:
- What made you come to this event?
- What are you working on at the moment?
- How did you get into your line of work?
- What has been the most useful session so far?
The Nanyang Business School careers blog makes a point worth remembering: give the other person a chance to talk, and ask questions rather than delivering a monologue.
How to approach people and start a conversation
Arrive early if you can. The room is quieter, people are still looking for someone to talk to, and it is easier to join a conversation before groups settle.
When choosing who to approach, look at body language. A person standing alone near the drinks table is usually glad to be approached. Two people facing each other closely may be in a private conversation. A group of three or four standing in an open shape, with a gap, is usually happy for someone to join.
To join a group, stand at the edge, make eye contact, and wait for a pause. Then introduce yourself briefly and let the existing conversation continue. Do not change the topic straight away.
At conference breaks, the queue for coffee or the area outside the main hall are natural places to start. A simple comment about the last session is enough to open a conversation.
Keep the conversation useful, then exit politely
Good networking conversations feel like an exchange, not a sales pitch. Singapore Global Network suggests that in conversation you try to discover if you share common interests or experiences. Shared ground makes the next message easier to write.
Listen for something you can help with. It might be an article, a supplier you trust, or a person they should meet. The NBS blog puts it simply: relationships should be mutually beneficial.
A first conversation at a busy event does not need to be long. When it is time to move on:
- Wait for a natural pause.
- Summarise one thing you enjoyed hearing about.
- Suggest a next step, such as connecting on LinkedIn or sending the article you mentioned.
- Thank them and move to another part of the room.
NTU’s career office recommends that you end each interaction by thanking the people you met and asking about next steps or contact points for follow-up.
Common networking mistakes to avoid
- Collecting cards instead of conversations. A pile of name cards with no memory attached is hard to follow up.
- Leading with a pitch. Asking for business in the first minute makes people step back.
- Staying with colleagues all night. It feels safe, but you will meet nobody new.
- Checking your phone while someone talks. It signals that you would rather be elsewhere.
- Forgetting names. Repeat the name once when you hear it, and jot a short note after each conversation.
- Not following up. Most of the value of networking comes after the event, not during it.
After the event: follow up and stay in touch
Follow up while people still remember you. NTU’s career office suggests you send a brief thank-you email to express appreciation, and connect on LinkedIn to maintain communication.
Make your message specific. Mention where you met and one thing you discussed. If you promised to share something, include it. Keep it short enough to read on a phone.
The NBS blog also suggests you call or send an email a week later, once you have worked out what you can connect about. Staying in touch on a regular basis matters more than one perfect first message.
A practical note on contact details in Singapore. The Personal Data Protection Act defines business contact information as an individual’s name, title, business phone, business address and business email. Use the details people share with you for the professional reason they were shared, and do not add them to marketing lists without asking.
If you are organising a networking event
Guests network better when the event is designed for it. A few organiser choices make a large difference:
- Name badges with large first names and company names. See our guide to networking event badge printing.
- A structured opener, such as a short table activity. Our ice breaker games guide covers formats that suit work groups.
- Easy contact sharing, for example virtual name cards or a matchmaking tool.
- Open floor space and quiet corners, so people can talk without shouting.
- Online options for remote guests. Our virtual event networking playbook explains how to run them.
For larger programmes, a conference networking platform can help guests find the right people before they arrive.
Frequently asked questions
How do you start a conversation at a networking event?
Walk up to someone standing alone or a group of three that looks open, introduce yourself by name and role, then ask an open question such as what brought them to the event. Listen to the answer and ask a follow-up before talking about yourself.
What should I say in a short self-introduction?
Keep it to two or three sentences: your name, what you do, and what you are interested in or hoping to learn at this event. Singapore Global Network suggests preparing a concise introduction that highlights your skills, interests and goals.
How do I leave a conversation politely?
Wait for a natural pause, thank the person for their time, say you would like to stay in touch, and exchange contact details if it makes sense. Then move to the refreshments, the next session or another group. A clean exit is better than a long, fading chat.
When should I follow up after a networking event?
Follow up while the conversation is still fresh, ideally within a few days. NTU’s career office suggests a brief thank-you email and connecting on LinkedIn. Mention something specific you discussed so the person remembers you.
How many people should I aim to meet at one event?
Aim for a small number of real conversations rather than a stack of name cards. A handful of good conversations is usually worth more than dozens of brief exchanges. Decide your own target before you arrive, based on the event length and your goal.
Plan a networking event with us
Hosting a client evening, industry mixer or company event? If you want guests to leave with real connections, tell us about your event. We will send a proposal based on your brief.
