The Networking Sweet Spot: How to Attend Events Without Becoming a Walking Sales Pitch

[This article was generated by ChatGPT and has been edited by the Surer team for clarity, readability and context.]

Networking events can feel like speed dating for business – lots of handshakes, elevator pitches, and awkward pauses. The key for insurance intermediaries? Make a memorable connection before you talk business.

1. Lead with curiosity, not your card.
Instead of launching into your services, ask, “What’s keeping you busy this month?” People love talking about themselves, and it gives you clues about their needs.

2. Have a story-ready intro.
Skip the “I sell insurance” line. Try: “I help business owners sleep better at night by making sure they’re covered for things they didn’t even know could happen.” Intriguing, but not pushy.

3. Follow the 70/30 rule.
Spend 70% of the conversation listening and 30% talking. You’ll be remembered as thoughtful, not pushy.

4. Capture, don’t collect.
Instead of hoarding business cards, jot down notes after each conversation: “Met Jane – owns a café, concerned about fire coverage.” It makes follow-up emails far more personal.

5. Keep the follow-up warm.
Message them within 48 hours, reference your chat, and share something useful (like an article or invite to a webinar). That’s how you turn small talk into sales.

Bonus tip: If you dread networking, bring a friend who’s naturally chatty. You’ll relax, and they’ll pull you into conversations.