How to Be Unforgettable at Networking Events (Without Sounding Salesy)

This is why I stopped calling myself a Marketing Consultant…

When I first started networking I used to introduce myself as Ros Conkie, a “marketing consultant”.

The response? Polite nods… then people moved on to mingle with others in the room.

Later, I tried something different:

“I help technical businesses stop wasting money on marketing that doesn’t work.”

Suddenly, people leaned in. “Oh! Tell me more…”

That’s when it really hit me that people don’t care what you do - they care about the problem you solve.

Most engineering and technical businesses struggle to explain what they do in a way that grabs attention. They list their services, their expertise, and their features… and then wonder why no one bites.

If your ideal client doesn’t immediately understand why they should care, they’ll move on.

So next time someone asks what you do, try focusing on the problem you solve instead.

Why Networking Feels Awkward (and How to Fix It)

Networking often feels uncomfortable because we think we need to 'sell' ourselves. But the truth is, the most effective networkers aren’t there to sell - they’re there to connect, help, and build relationships. When you shift your mindset from “How can I sell to this room?” to “How can I help the people in this room?”, everything changes.

The real goal of networking isn’t to walk away with a sale. It’s to build relationships with people who might introduce you to the right contacts down the line. It’s about being curious, offering advice or encouragement, and looking for ways to add value, whether that’s through a helpful insight, a useful connection, or simply a bit of friendly support.

When you show up with an attitude of generosity and curiosity, people naturally want to help you in return. Instead of “selling to the room,” you’re positioning yourself to have the room sell for you.

So, instead of rehearsing a hard pitch, focus on starting conversations. The goal isn’t to impress it’s to connect, offer value, and build meaningful relationships. intrigue.

How to Write a Networking One-Minute That Works

The key to a compelling networking one-minute is clarity and relevance. Here’s a simple formula:

1. Start with the problem - identify a common frustration your ideal clients face.
2. Introduce your solution - briefly explain how you solve that problem.
3. End with curiosity - pose a question or share a quick story to invite further discussion.

Here’s a quick example…

“Most technical businesses waste time and money on marketing that doesn’t work because they don’t have a clear strategy. I help them build a simple, structured marketing plan so they know exactly what to do to grow their business. Have you ever felt like your marketing is just guesswork?”

This approach works because it shifts the focus from you to your listener's pain points and makes it easier for them to relate to what you’re saying.

The Power of Storytelling in Networking

Humans remember stories, not job titles. You can introduce yourself as a marketing consultant (yawn), or you can say something that makes people lean in and want to know more.

When I’m networking, the story that really lands is the one about the red boat.

When I was 18, I sailed across the Atlantic in the Tall Ships Race. After four weeks at sea, we knew that boat inside out. But when we finally stepped off in Bermuda, one of my crewmates looked back and said, “Huh. I’d forgotten it was red.”

We’d been so close to it, we couldn’t see what it actually looked like anymore.

Running a business is the same. When you're deep in it, it’s almost impossible to see it from your customer’s perspective.

That’s why this story works so well in networking - it gives people a lightbulb moment. Suddenly, I’m not just another marketing consultant. I’m the person who helps them step off the boat, look back, and see what their customers see.

And that’s the kind of story people remember.

Your Networking Action Plan

Networking can easily become another item on your to-do list - something you “should” do but often dread. But with a simple, focused plan, you can turn casual conversations into valuable business relationships. Here’s how to approach your next event with intention:

• Rewrite your networking introduction using the problem-solution-curiosity formula. Focus on the problem you solve and how you solve it, sparking curiosity that invites more questions.
• Practice it out loud until it feels like second nature. You should feel confident but conversational.
• Before your next networking event, shift your mindset. Approach it as an opportunity to solve problems and build relationships, not to sell your services.
• Follow up with at least three people you meet. Build on the initial conversation, share something valuable, or simply express that you enjoyed the chat.