Stepping into a networking event can feel a bit daunting, especially if you’re running a small business and juggling everything yourself. The good news is that most people in the room feel the same way and can be experiencing this for the first time too. Networking is simply a chance to meet local businesses, swap stories, and build relationships that can genuinely support your growth. When you know the common mistakes people make, you can relax a little and make the most of every conversation.
This blog walks you through the five slip-ups small businesses often make at networking events, along with simple ways to avoid them. By the end, you’ll feel more confident about showing up, taking part, and getting real value from friendly, community-focused groups like Synergy Networking.
Mistake One: Talking Only About Yourself
It’s completely natural to want to make a good impression, especially when you’re meeting other business owners for the first time. But when nerves kick in, conversations can quickly turn into a one-sided monologue. This can leave the other person feeling unheard and makes it harder to build the kind of genuine relationships that make networking so valuable. Understanding why this happens makes it easier to create a more balanced and enjoyable chat for both sides.
Why Small Businesses Fall Into This Trap
Newer networkers often feel pressure to “pitch” themselves straight away. When you’re proud of what you do, it’s tempting to lead with everything at once. Add in a bit of anxiety, and suddenly you’ve filled the whole conversation without meaning to.
How to Avoid It and Build Genuine Connections
A simple way to shift the balance is to ask a couple of easy questions and give the other person room to speak. Showing curiosity helps the chat feel relaxed and natural, and it also gives you a better understanding of how you might help or support each other in the future.
Mistake Two: Not Following Up After the Event
Many people walk out of a networking event feeling positive, only to let those new connections fade as soon as the day gets busy again. It’s one of the most common mistakes small businesses make, and it’s often the reason they feel networking “doesn’t work”. The truth is that the real value happens after the event, when you take a moment to keep the conversation going. A friendly follow-up helps you stay memorable and starts building trust, which is what turns casual chats into supportive relationships.
What Happens When You Don’t Follow Up
When there’s no follow-up, people naturally move on and forget the details of your conversation. Opportunities are missed simply because there was no gentle nudge to stay connected. It’s not personal, everyone is juggling busy diaries, but it does mean potential collaborations, referrals, or friendships never get the chance to grow.
Simple Ways to Follow Up Without Feeling Pushy
A short message the next day works well, or even a LinkedIn connection and a message. Thank the person for the chat, mention something you enjoyed, and, if it feels right, suggest a relaxed coffee to get to know each other better. Most people appreciate the effort, and it keeps the relationship warm without feeling forced.
Mistake Three: Treating Networking as a Sales Pitch
It’s easy to see networking as an opportunity to “sell” what you do, especially when you’re trying to grow a small business. But pushing your services too hard can make conversations feel uncomfortable and rushed. Networking works best when it’s built on trust, not pressure. When you shift your focus from selling to simply getting to know people, you’ll find the atmosphere becomes far more enjoyable and the relationships far more rewarding.
Why Hard Selling Turns People Away
Most people come to networking events to connect, learn, and support each other, not to be put on the spot. A hard sell stops the conversation from flowing and can leave the other person looking for an exit. It also means they never really get to know you, which makes it unlikely they’ll remember or recommend you later on.
A Better Approach: Relationship-Focused Networking
Instead of selling, share your experiences, ask about theirs, and let the conversation move naturally. When people feel comfortable, they’re much more likely to ask what you do and how they can support you. Trust grows over time, and that’s what leads to genuine referrals and opportunities. If you would like to read more about how to improve your approach you can read more here.
Mistake Four: Attending Inconsistently
Many small business owners try a networking event once or twice, then decide it isn’t working for them. In reality, networking is a long-term investment built on familiarity and regular interaction. People remember the faces they see often, and that consistency is what helps relationships deepen. When attendance is irregular, those valuable connections simply don’t have enough time to take root.
Why One-Off Visits Don’t Build Momentum
If you only pop in occasionally, people don’t get the chance to learn who you are or what you offer. Without that steady presence, conversations stay surface level, and opportunities pass by without developing into anything meaningful. Trust grows gradually, and that growth needs repeated contact.
How Regular Attendance Builds a Support Network
Turning up regularly helps you become part of the group’s rhythm. People start to recognise you, involve you in conversations, and think of you when opportunities arise. Over time, you build a circle of local business owners who genuinely want to support your success.
Mistake Five: Trying to Be Everywhere at Once
When you’re eager to grow your business, it’s tempting to say yes to every networking event you come across. It feels productive, but spreading yourself too thin can often lead to exhaustion rather than real progress. Networking works best when you’re present, engaged, and able to build meaningful relationships. That’s difficult to do when you’re rushing from one event to the next without any space to follow up or nurture the connections you’ve already made.
Why Overscheduling Leads to Burnout
Attending too many events can drain your time, energy, and focus. Instead of enjoying the experience, you end up thinking about where you need to be next. This makes conversations feel rushed and leaves little room to build the depth of relationship that leads to referrals and long-term support.
Choosing the Right Group for You
You don’t need to attend every event in Kent to see results. Choosing just a couple of groups that feel relaxed, friendly, and aligned with your values gives you a community you can genuinely grow with. When you commit to a space where conversations come naturally, and people recognise you, your efforts go much further.
Conclusion
Networking doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Once you know the common mistakes to watch out for, it becomes a much more relaxed and rewarding experience. By focusing on genuine conversations, showing up consistently, and choosing a couple of communities that feel right for you, you’ll start to see real results. Small steps lead to strong relationships, and those relationships are what help your business grow.
If you’d like to experience a friendly, welcoming networking group for yourself book a ticket below and come along to one of Synergy Networking’s meetings across Kent. You’ll be met with warm conversations, local support, and a community that’s ready to cheer you on.
