Networking for people who don’t like small talk

Section 3 : Don’t try to talk to everyone

You’re not going to click with every person in the room and you don’t need to. One good conversation that leads to something meaningful down the line is more valuable than ten forgettable ones. Quality over quantity really does apply here. It’s better to walk away with one genuine connection than a handful of business contacts you’ll never look at again.

So instead of trying to meet as many people as possible, pay attention to the conversations that feel natural. Linger a little longer in the ones that flow. You don’t need to constantly look over someone’s shoulder for the “next” person. That kind of energy shows and it usually breaks whatever connection you were starting to build.

Fewer, deeper conversations take the pressure off. You get to be present. You get to follow up meaningfully instead of trying to remember who said what. And the best part? It feels more human. More real. More like something you’d actually want to do again.