TIN #146 - In-Person Networking: Worth It? Maybe. But Not Always
The Good, The Bad, and The Absolutely Draining
I just wrapped up two intense weeks of in-person networking.
Three events.
Two conferences.
One speaker showcase.
All packed into 14 days.
And, I’m still recovering.
If you’re someone who avoids networking events because they drain your energy, I’m right there with you.
I’ve built a system that lets you grow your network on your terms. No hotel lobbies, awkward icebreakers, or “So, what do you do?” required.
But that doesn’t mean I never go.
So today, I’m giving you the real breakdown of these events—the good, the bad, and the trade-offs I had to make so you can decide if networking events are worth it for you.
This issue takes about 5 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
Get Your Personalized 5-Step Networking Plan. It’s a comprehensive toolkit that combines years of content from my book, this newsletter, my course, and all my LinkedIn posts with user-friendly resources.
My online course, “5 Steps To Grow Your Professional Network,” is FREE for all my newsletter subscribers. Learn the process I use everyday to grow my professional network.
Each week, I post a new podcast with tips you’ll find in the weekly newsletter and bonus stories, wisdom, and motivation. The Introverted Networker podcast is like the weekly newsletter but with additional narration and thoughts from me. Be sure to listen to this week’s podcast and check out the previous episodes of the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more networking tips and insights.
The video version of the newsletter is available on my YouTube channel.
Event #1: UnleashHR in Las Vegas
Moderating a panel in Las Vegas - Note the velvet red jacket!
The highlight? I moderated panels and introduced speakers.
Because I’d already met the speakers beforehand, conversations were easy.
No awkward small talk.
That made follow-up way more natural.
I’ve already reconnected with a few people through LinkedIn and email.
Tip for next time:
🎯 If you’re going to a conference, reach out to speakers in advance.
Ask them a question about their topic.
That way, you’re not a random attendee. You’re a familiar name.
Also, I wore a red velvet jacket (and a black one another day).
People noticed. It started conversations.
Did I make long-term connections from those chats?
Not really.
But it reminded me: wearing something memorable gives others an excuse to say hello.
Event #2: EXHR in Denver
Presenting my networking workshop at ExHR in Denver
Smaller. Local. More low-key.
This one didn’t publish a speaker list ahead of time, so I didn’t do much prep.
But I got the participant list once I arrived and that was gold.
I scanned it, found a few names and companies I wanted to connect with, and made a point to say hi during sessions and breaks.
If you can get the attendee list, do it.
Even if you don’t know anyone, it gives you a place to start.
Bonus: I moderated a panel and ran a workshop at this event.
If you ever get the chance to moderate (even if you don’t want to speak), take it.
It’s a low-pressure way to get visibility, meet panelists, and have people approach you later.
Win-win.
Event #3: Speaker Showcase
My pitch for my workshop called “Bridging The Connection Gap”
This was a pitch event for a group of executive clubs.
Every speaker had two minutes to pitch their talk to the people who run these clubs.
After the previous two events, I was toast.
But I went anyway.
And I’m glad I did.
I met a lot of decision-makers.
Not all of them are my direct clients, but many know the right people—like heads of HR, and now I’ve got a list of solid follow-ups.
Still, this one took a toll.
Let’s Talk About the Trade-Offs
Each event gave me something valuable: connections, visibility, momentum.
But here's the truth: they drained my energy.
Big time.
After Vegas, I needed an entire day to recharge.
Not in bed. Just slow. Low output. Refilling the tank.
Same with the other events.
One day to attend. Another day to recover.
And now I’ve got hours of follow-up ahead of me (calls, emails, connection requests).
So was it worth it?
Yes.
But here’s the real cost: It’s not just the time you spend at the event.
It’s the time to prep, attend, recover, and follow up.
That’s what most people forget when they say, “I don’t have time to network.”
They really mean, “I don’t have the time and energy to go to a big event and then recover from it.”
That’s Why I Teach a Different Way
Events aren’t bad.
They’re just not sustainable for many of us.
That’s why I use and teach a 5-step networking system that works around your energy.
✅ Connect with one person at a time
✅ Meet when it works for you
✅ Skip the noise and get to the good stuff. Real conversation
✅ Build trust faster
✅ Follow up at your pace
No event needed.
You don’t need a conference badge to build your network.
You need a repeatable, sustainable system that fits your life.
And if you’ve already been to an event, the real value comes next: the follow-up.
If you don’t follow up, it’s like you never went.
So, what works best for you?
Do you love the buzz of events?
Or, do you prefer the focused calm of a one-on-one conversation?
Hit reply and let me know.
I love hearing how others make networking work on their own terms.
Till next time,
Greg,
The Introverted Networker
Best Things I Found Online This Week:
AI Can’t Shake Hands: The Real Secret to Lasting Business Connections by Mitch Jackson on LinkedIn.
The Best Question to Ask Someone from Colby Kultgen’s 1% Better newsletter. Great questions to add to your voice to voice networking conversations.
Craig Davis’s 60-second guide on building relationships on LinkedIn. Afraid to write your own posts? This will show you how to connect through comments.
Mercy is that a lot of activity for two weeks. After all of that, being consistent and persistent about the necessary follow-up can be a challenge.