It can be hard to introduce yourself at networking events without feeling awkward. Here are our 5 Steps to creating an authentic, friendly, and easy-to-use networking pitch.

If the words “So, what do you do?” make you forget your own name as well as what your business does, then you’re not alone.

Even the most confident businesswomen have moments where their minds go blank, their words tangle, or they default to a rambling job description that doesn’t reflect the brilliance of what they actually do.

The truth is, introducing yourself shouldn’t feel awkward, salesy, or stiff. When you craft a clear, confident networking pitch, you give people the gift of knowing who you are, what you offer, and why it matters, and all within a few memorable sentences.

Your introduction is where that connection begins.

Why Your Networking Pitch Matters

Your pitch isn’t a script! Think of it as your opening handshake. It’s the moment someone decides:

• If they understand what you do
• Whether they want to know more
• How they can refer, collaborate with, or support you

A strong networking pitch helps you stand out, sparks meaningful conversations, and makes networking feel easier, more natural, and less awkward.

Step 1: Start With the Heart of What You Do

Most people start their pitch with a job title, but we all know that a title rarely tells the real story. Instead, begin with the impact of your work:

“I help…”
“I support…”
“I create…”

When you start with the heart of what you do, the conversation focuses on the transformation you offer rather than a label on your business card.

For example, instead of saying, “I’m a social media manager,” try saying, “I help small business owners grow their audience and get visible online without spending all day on content.”

Same job. Clearer value. Less awkward small talk. Simples!

Step 2: Add Personality

What you don’t want is to sound like a company brochure. Your introduction should be open, friendly, honest, and above all, you! A touch of personality makes you more memorable, but how do you include this?

Try a bit of humour like regular GWIB attendee Wendy Garcarz, who introduces herself as a woman leading a double life, “by day I’m a business strategist, and by night I write espionage novels.”

How about using a relatable detail like another regular, Zoe Roddis, who introduces herself as ‘the only Zoe Roddis on LinkedIn.’

Step 3: Make It Easy for People to Remember You

Clarity beats cleverness every time, so be sure to use words people instantly understand.
Keep sentences short. Avoid jargon that requires translation. You might know what an SOP, CRM, or WIP are, but will everyone else?

What you’re aiming for is memory recall, so the people you speak with at networking events remember you hours or even days later.

Here’s an exercise to try. If someone heard your pitch, could they easily repeat it to someone else?

Step 4: Include What You Want More Of

Networking isn’t the time to be shy. Even if you are introverted, you can still meet amazing people, connect with them, and begin to build lasting relationships.

This all starts by you telling people what you want. For example:

• What kind of clients do you want?
• Are there any opportunities you are open to?
• Which problems do you love solving?

Do you know many mind-readers? If not, we suggest you get clear on what you want (building a networking strategy is a great start) and ask others for help.

Step 5: Keep It Short (but don’t be a robot!)

Keep your introduction to about 20–30 seconds, but don’t memorise it word-for-word.

Think of your pitch as a flexible framework rather than a monologue.

It can be useful to adapt it based on who you’re speaking to, the event you’re attending, and the energy in the room. Trust your intuition.

Practice Until It Feels Natural

Like anything in life or business, confidence comes from clarity and repetition. Practice your pitch with a trusted friend or colleague, in front of the mirror, or on a voice note.

Keep refining it until it rolls off your tongue without the awkward pause or the rambling extras.

At GWIB, we champion women who show up and speak clearly about the incredible work they do. Here’s a handy Networking Pitch Checklist:

Use this simple checklist to feel confident and ready to shine at any networking event.

BEFORE THE EVENT

Polish Your Pitch

• Have I prepared a 30-second pitch that explains who I help and how?
• Is my pitch focused on the impact of my work, not just my job title?

Know What You’re Looking For

• What opportunities am I open to? (Clients, collaborations?)
• Who would I like to meet at this event?

Prepare Your Talking Points

• One recent win or success story
• One challenge you’re working on (people love to help!)

Get Your Essentials Ready

• Business cards and/or QR code
• Pen and notebook (or a reMarkable!)

DURING THE EVENT 

Deliver Your Pitch Clearly

• Speak slowly and confidently
• Make eye contact and smile

Listen More Than You Speak

• Ask curious questions
• Am I giving others space to share their story?

Keep Your Energy Warm & Open

• Show genuine interest in others
• Remember as many names as possible

Take Notes

• Names, businesses, and useful details
• Promises made (e.g., send a link, make an intro, follow up with a resource)

Are You Ready to Practice Your Perfect Networking Pitch?

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded business owners, this is it. The Great Women in Business Meetup is where referral circles begin, collaborations are sparked, and lasting business friendships are formed.

Book your ticket today and join a community of ambitious, supportive, and unstoppable women ready to champion each other’s success.

Don’t miss out:

Main Event: Monday 9th March 2026
Location: National Conference Centre, Solihull
Buy your ticket here: https://greatwomeninbusiness.co.uk/tickets/

Spread the cost of your ticket with our ‘Pay in 2 Instalments’ option  https://greatwomeninbusiness.co.uk/tickets/