How to Create Business Opportunities—Without Chasing Conversations

We’ve all been told that networking is about working the room—shaking hands, handing out business cards, and striking up conversations with as many people as possible.

But what if that’s the wrong approach?

Last week, I attended a networking event where I barely spoke to anyone. Not because I was shy, not because I wasn’t interested—but because I knew that networking isn’t about talking to everyone. It’s about attracting the right conversations.

And by the end of the night, I walked away with three strategic connections, two booked calls, and a coffee meeting with a key decision-maker.

The Setup: A Room That Wasn’t My Usual Crowd

I walked into the event and immediately knew this wasn’t the same networking environment I'm normally accustomed to.

• The energy was serious.
• The environment was reserved.
• There were no structured introductions—just a room full of professionals, drinks in hand, waiting for conversations to happen.

At that moment, I had two choices:

1?? Force small talk and try to “work the room.”

2?? Take a step back and let the right conversations come to me.

I chose the second option.

The Strategy: Less Talking, More Positioning

Instead of trying to talk to everyone, I focused on three key moves:

? I observed before I engaged. I took a few minutes to read the room. Who was deep in conversation? Who looked open to talking? Who was scanning the space, just like me?

? I adjusted how I introduced myself. My "what I do" didn’t land with the first person I spoke to. So, I tweaked it on the spot, making it more relevant to the audience in the room.

? I let curiosity do the work. I didn’t chase conversations—I attracted them. I positioned myself in a way that made people curious about who I was and what I did.

The Results: Real Business Opportunities

By the end of the night, I made:

?? Three strategic connections

?? Two booked calls within 24 hours

?? A coffee meeting with a key decision-maker that could lead to new business

And I did it without forcing a single conversation.

The Lesson: Networking Is About Strategy, Not Stamina

Most people think networking is a numbers game—the more people you talk to, the better your chances of success. But when done right, it’s about being intentional, not exhausting yourself trying to meet everyone.

If you’re in the right room, the right people will find you—if you give them a reason to.

So, next time you’re at a networking event, try this: Instead of working the room, work on how you position yourself. You might be surprised at the connections that come your way.

How do you handle networking when the conversations aren’t flowing? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your approach!