Your introduction
People remember your story, not your title
The most common networking mistake is leading with a job title. There is nothing wrong with it. It is just not memorable, and it ends the conversation instead of opening one.
“Hi, I’m Jane. I’m a Senior Consultant at XYZ.”
People remember stories, passions, problems solved and goals. Networking is about making a connection, not exchanging business cards.
The Women in Power introduction formula
Name + what you do + why you care + what you’re exploring
Hi, I’m [name]. I help [audience] achieve [outcome]. I’m passionate about [interest or mission], and right now I’m looking to connect with people interested in [topic, goal or opportunity].
It gives context
It shows personality
It leaves a thread to pull
It tells people how to help you
Three of them, filled in
The community builder
Hi, I’m Delia. I help organizations adopt Microsoft Copilot and AI solutions. I’m passionate about making technology more accessible, and I love building communities where people can learn together. Right now, I’m connecting with leaders who are exploring practical ways to bring AI into their organizations.
The career pivot
Hi, I’m Priya. I’m a Business Analyst transitioning into AI and Power Platform. I’m fascinated by how technology can simplify work, and I’m looking to connect with people who have successfully navigated a similar career change.
The change maker
Hi, I’m Noor. I help nonprofits use technology to eliminate manual processes so they can focus more time on serving their communities. I’m especially interested in how AI can support small teams, and I’d love to meet others working in that space.
In a busy room, cut it in half
Hi, I’m Delia. I help organizations adopt AI using Microsoft technologies, and I’m here to learn how others are driving adoption successfully.
Hi, I’m Priya. I’m transitioning into AI and hoping to meet people who can share lessons from their journey.
Both invite a conversation instead of closing one.
Then hand it over
The best networking question
Once you have introduced yourself, move the spotlight.
“What brought you to this event?”
“What are you most excited to learn while you’re here?”
Either one gets you further than “so, what do you do?”
Remember
People rarely remember your title. They remember your passion, your story, and how you made them feel.
The goal is not to impress everyone in the room. It is to help the right people remember you, and to make it easy for them to carry on the conversation.
In the hall
Ten things that work at a conference
Nearly everyone is nervous
Experienced speakers, MVPs and community leaders all walk in wondering who they will talk to. If you feel uncomfortable, you are not the only one. Take the pressure off by assuming the other person would be glad someone said hello first.
Arrive early to sessions
People are far more open to conversation before a session than after it.
“Have you been to this conference before?” “What made you choose this session?”Be the one who makes room
See someone standing on their own? Invite them over. One invitation can change somebody’s whole conference.
“We’re heading to lunch. You’re welcome to join us.”Don’t chase important people. Find your people.
Plenty of attendees spend the week trying to meet speakers. Look instead for shared interests, challenges and goals. The relationships that last often start between two people learning the same thing at the same time.
Wear your curiosity, not your credentials
A thoughtful question lands better than an impressive title.
“What are you working on right now?” “What’s been your biggest takeaway so far?”Use the rule of three
Three new people. Three sessions outside your comfort zone. Three follow-ups afterwards. Small targets are the ones you actually hit.
Introduce people to each other
Becoming a connector is the fastest way to build relationships. Being known as someone who helps beats being known as someone who collects contacts.
“You should meet Maria. She’s working on something very similar.”Sit somewhere new
Don’t spend the day with your coworkers. At lunch, in a session, at an evening event, take the seat next to someone you don’t know. A seat choice has turned into a mentor, a collaborator and a friend more than once.
Swap LinkedIn while you’re still talking
Not months later, when the name has gone. Connect there and then, with a line about what you talked about.
“Great meeting you at Women in Power. I enjoyed hearing about your work with Power Platform and look forward to staying connected.”Ask how you can help
The best networkers do not ask what someone can do for them. They ask how they can support that person. Share a resource, make an introduction, offer encouragement, answer a question. Generosity builds the longer-lasting relationship.
Before you leave
A Women in Power challenge
- Introduce yourself to someone new
- Invite someone to join your group for a meal or a session
- Make one introduction between two people who should know each other
- Follow up with at least three new connections
Because the goal is not just to attend the conference. It is to leave knowing more people than when you arrived, and to help someone else feel like they belong too.
Written by Delia Zuniga
Chief Storyteller
Delia leads growth and outreach for Women in Power. Meet the rest of the team →