We’ve all been there. You book yourself onto a networking event, rush across town (or battle with Microsoft Teams!), grab a coffee, hand out a few business cards, and head back to your desk with a nagging thought: Did that actually achieve anything?
Networking is one of the most powerful tools we have as business owners, but only if we approach it with purpose; otherwise, we risk simply showing up, investing our time, energy, and money without reaping the real rewards.
So, how can you tell the difference between a nice coffee with conversation and a productive networking event?
The True Cost of Networking
Networking isn’t free, even if the ticket costs you nothing. Every event requires an investment. How can you ensure that your time, energy, and money are being honoured?
Time. Any travel, preparation, and follow-up should be added to each event. Attending a two-hour meeting might fit easily into your schedule, but have you considered the travel time it’ll take to get there and back? How about the hour or two you’ll need to follow up with any connections you make? A short meeting can easily become half a day out of your business.
Energy. Networking takes focus, confidence, and sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone. If you’re not managing your physical and mental energy, then you might leave a networking event drained rather than inspired. To combat this, be sure you’re showing up in the right rooms at the right times. If you’re not a morning person and struggle to string a sentence together first thing, then a breakfast meeting might not be the right choice. Perhaps you only work with women, which means you may not receive the right energy at a mixed event. Consider how each event impacts you and book those that meet your needs.
Money. How much is your current networking experience costing you and your business? Memberships, event tickets, travel, coffee, and even childcare all count towards the investment you’re making. Jot down your expenses for each event to see what you’re spending and then analyse the connections you’re making to see if they are bringing in enough clients or customers to offset these costs.
When you acknowledge all of these areas, you start to see why it’s so important to maximise the return on your investment.
Measuring Your Networking ROI
Return on investment (ROI) isn’t always immediate. Sometimes the seeds you plant at an event take months to bloom. Some of our GWIB attendees talked about making connections with designers and therapists, but not using their services until years later. However, you can still measure success if you track the right things.
Here are a few things to look out for:
Think about the quality of the connections you make rather than the number of people you meet. Did you speak to someone who could become a client, collaborator, or cheerleader for your business? Build a warm leads folder to track these connections and continue to nurture the relationships long after the event has ended.
Which conversations lead to a coffee chat or discovery call, a podcast guest slot, or a speaking invitation? All of these opportunities are tangible results of networking.
Sometimes, networking directly impacts your bottom line. Can you trace a new client, project, or contract back to an event? Be sure to log any sales you’ve made and which networking event they came from so you can prioritise these. Even if someone doesn’t buy from you straight away, they are getting to know you and learn more about what you do, which will have an impact on your visibility and brand awareness.
The goal here is to be the person other attendees mention when you’re not in the room!
“When you consider the importance of word-of-mouth, referrals, recommendations, and knowledge-sharing, do you even have a choice? Your network is your everything.” Vedran Rasic
A return on investment can also include your personal growth. Did your experiences at an event boost your confidence, refine your pitch, or sharpen your skills? Don’t overlook the value of your own development.
Turning Showing Up into Networking
What action can you take today that will make all the difference to your networking experience?
Prepare with Intention.
Review the attendee list, where possible, and compile a list of the individuals you would like to meet. While it’s great to catch up with old acquaintances at these events, be sure to also focus on meeting new people. Set a goal, for example, “I want to connect with three women who work in finance”. Just like you would for an online network, it helps to practice your introduction, so you speak with confidence – first impressions matter!
Engage, Don’t Sell.
Networking is about building relationships, not handing out business cards like confetti. Ask questions, listen attentively, and look for opportunities to add value. Consider your broader network and who you can recommend to the people you meet. Be known for your ability to connect like-minded business owners.
Follow Up.
The magic is in the follow-up. It doesn’t have to be complicated. A quick LinkedIn message, an email, or booking a coffee and a chat turns a friendly hello into a meaningful connection.
Showing up is the easy part. Networking is about being intentional, measuring your ROI, and nurturing relationships that bring value to your business and to others. So next time you walk into a room full of incredible women in business, ask yourself, “Am I networking or just showing up?”
This Is Your Sign to Show Up
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to invest in yourself and your business, this is it. The Great Women in Business Launch Event is THE date in your diary that matters. Attending this event could be the spark that ignites your next big breakthrough or introduces you to your biggest client or collaborator.
Book your ticket today and join a community of ambitious, supportive, and unstoppable women ready to lift each other higher.
Tickets are limited. Don’t miss out.
Launch Event: Monday 8th September 2025, 10am – 12pm
Location: The Manor Hotel, 127 Main Rd, Meriden, Coventry
Buy your ticket here: https://greatwomeninbusiness.co.uk/tickets/
Let’s make history – again!
“I found this event by accident,” said Tina, “but it was worth the effort to get here.”
“I’ve had a light bulb moment!” said Jo, “Instead of slogging my guts out on consistent networking, I understand the benefits and impact of bigger events.”