Networking in the Right Places:

Finding Your Ideal Clients & Collaboration Matches

Networking is powerful—but only if you’re connecting with the right people. Showing up to every event or taking every meeting isn’t the answer; the real magic happens when you’re intentional about where you spend your time and who you engage with. The goal isn’t to meet everyone—it’s to meet the people who align with your values, goals, and, most importantly, your ideal client or collaboration match. And if your goal is to increase your brand awareness by meeting as many people as possible, that’s okay too! Just remember that meaningful business relationships often lead to the best opportunities.

So, how do you ensure you’re networking in the right places? Let’s look at a few strategies that will help you maximize your networking time and set you up for connections that can lead to powerful opportunities.

Define Your Ideal Client & Collaboration Partner

Before you even start searching for events or setting up meetings, get crystal clear on who you’re looking for. If you can picture your ideal client or collaborator in detail, you’re more likely to find them.

• Be Specific: Think about your dream (or moonshot) client or collaborator. Who are they? What are their values, interests, and business goals?
• Understand their needs: What struggles do they have? What dreams are they working toward?
• Accept that not everyone is your “IDEAL” client: Yes, you may technically be able to work with anyone with a heartbeat, but the best collaborations are those where there’s alignment in values and goals.

Choose Events That Align with Your Goals

Networking events come in all shapes and sizes. From industry-specific gatherings to casual meetups, there’s a variety to choose from. Here’s a quick list of some popular types:

• Conferences and Trade Shows: Great for making industry connections, especially if you’re looking to connect on a broader scale.
• BNI (Business Networking International) and Referral Groups: Structured groups focused on referrals and long-term business connections.
• Gender or Industry-Focused Groups: Ideal if you’re looking to connect with people in your industry or demographic.
• Meetups and Local Events: Smaller, casual events often focused on specific topics, industries, or activities.
• Online Networking Opportunities: Virtual summits, webinars, and even social media groups can be excellent networking spaces.

Tip: Reach out to the event host or organizer if you’re unsure about an event. Ask them what the “vibe” is and what kind of attendees to expect—this can help you choose events where you’re likely to find people aligned with your goals.

Network with Intention

Going to an event with a purpose is key. When you’re intentional, you can focus on meeting people who genuinely align with your ideal client or collaboration partner.

• Set specific goals for each event: Are you hoping to connect with potential clients, industry experts, or other entrepreneurs? Knowing this in advance can help you use your time wisely.
• Show up as you want to be seen: Dress appropriately for the type of event, and ensure your online presence is up-to-date. Potential clients or collaborators might research you online before or after meeting you, so make sure your photos, bio, and recent work reflect who you are now.
• It’s okay to skip certain events if they don’t align with your goals or ideal client profile. Remember, you’re here to connect with the right people.

Take Notes and Focus on Quality over Quantity

Networking isn’t a game of collecting as many business cards as possible. It’s about building relationships that will matter long after the event is over.

• Take notes during the event: If you have a good conversation with someone, jot down a few key points about them. Write down something memorable they said or a unique detail about their business.
• Use the back of their business card: This helps keep track of who they are and how you might be able to follow up meaningfully. When it comes time for a follow-up, these notes can make all the difference.

Remember, it’s the meaningful connections you form at these events that truly matter—not the number of business cards in your pocket.