As a manager, I always try to spend my time efficiently, and not so long ago, I chose only those events to attend where I saw direct value. But experience has shown that sometimes useful connections do not appear where you expect them at all. One of the longest-term projects began after a short acquaintance at a toy fair. Another one started after a meeting at a specialized event on printed products. The sphere turned out to be unimportant, communication was the only thing that mattered. The advice is simple: get to know other people, go to meetings, and don't limit yourself to your industry. Connections and opportunities often materialize outside the 'right' context.
One of my favorite networking wins happened through a casual LinkedIn comment-just showing up consistently and adding value led to a connection that turned into a client. I didn't pitch; I just participated. My best tip? Be *genuinely* curious. Ask people about their work, listen more than you talk, and trust that opportunities often come from the relationships you nurture, not the ones you chase!