You know that networking is essential for your career or business, but the idea of walking into a room full of strangers can feel intimidating. You’re not alone—many people hesitate to start networking because they don’t know what to say or how to approach others.
The good news: networking doesn’t have to feel forced. With a few simple strategies, you can start networking confidently, break the ice easily, and actually enjoy the process.
Here are 5 practical steps to help you start networking without awkwardness.
1 · Shift Your Mindset
Most people at networking events are there for the same reason you are: to meet new people. So there is nothing to be afraid of. You aren’t interrupting; you are participating.
Coming with positive energy, an open mind, and a joyful attitude already does 80% of the work to ensure you have a wonderful networking experience. Approach networking with curiosity and fun instead of pressure, and it will be much easier for you to start conversations.
Shift Your Mindset: Think of it as a game. See yourself as a character whose goal is to make new friends. It’s a simple but game-changing trick.
Networking is a time for you to relax, smile, and enjoy.
2 · Prepare a Clear, Short Introduction
Stress around networking usually comes from uncertainty, fear of failure, and fear of judgment. The more you prepare, the more in control you will feel, helping you get rid of that stress—especially if you’re lucky enough to attend an event with a warm and welcoming atmosphere like ours.
To prepare:
Have a 1-2 sentence self-introduction ready.
For example:
“Hi, I’m Alex. I run a small design studio here in Dubai, and I’m looking to connect with other business owners.”
Keep it short and clear so you can follow up with, “What about you?” to keep the conversation flowing. You DON’T want to dive straight into a pitch without any sign of interest from the other person.
Have your pitch ready.
Knowing exactly how to introduce your products or services to different profiles will help you feel more confident.
Keep it simple. Make sure people understand who you are, what you do, and, if you can help them, how.
And if you don’t feel comfortable yet, practice your pitch in front of the mirror! Remember, there is no wrong answer, and the goal of networking is to pique curiosity so you can go deeper during your the one-on-one meeting you will schedule after the event.
3 · Be one of the first to arrive
Nothing is worse than being late to a networking event. Why? Because if you arrive late, people have already gotten to know each other, and you will have to join their conversations instead of initiating your own.
Instead, make sure to arrive among the earliest so you can meet and greet people as they arrive. By doing so, people will automatically be more open to starting a conversation with you when they arrive, as they will want to blend into the groups and conversations.
As a result, you will meet more people and connect easier and deeper with others! Cheers!
4 · Use Simple Icebreakers
Instead of diving into business talk immediately, embrace “wasta” (Arabic for influence or connections), a cultural concept where personal relationships facilitate opportunities. Build genuine connections to leverage wasta naturally.
Dubai is a thriving city where people come and go quickly. You can use this particularity to start conversations and connect with people more easily:
“Are you living in Dubai or visiting?”
“What brought you to Dubai?”
“How long have you been in Dubai?”
These questions create natural openings to connect.
Keep it warm, and let the people answer, and answer back if you’ve been asked. Take your time, you’re there to connect with people, it’s not a race!
5 · Create Natural Follow-Up Opportunities
As we often say in our networking events:
“The best way to attract opportunities is to be an opportunity for others.”
Following this key principle, make sure to provide value to the people you meet at networking events: share a contact who can help them reach their goal, refer a potential customer, recommend a book for them to read… Make sure you have something VALUABLE to send them after the event. This is the key to a natural and efficient follow-up.
With this strategy, no need to wonder what to say in your follow-up message or to write a standardised email/message that has high chances to lead to nothing. Just follow this rule and provide true value to the people you meet.
This is the spirit shared by the members of our community, and it is how we ensure that every person and every business grows through our events and our Community.
Networking is a skill you can learn. It’s a must have in Dubai especially, and lucky you, it gets easier with practice!
Ready to Practice Your Networking?
If you’re in Dubai and want a warmly welcoming, structured environment to practice networking, join our next Speed Networking Event. We make networking easy, effective, and enjoyable so you can grow your network without the awkwardness.
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