As your accountant, I spend a lot of time helping clients grow not just compliance-wise — but commercially as well. And one of the biggest missed opportunities I see?
People treat networking events like a one-on-one meeting instead of what they really are:
A room full of potential future opportunities
Spending an hour chatting to one person might feel productive — but it’s limiting your exposure to:
- New clients
- Referral partners
- Strategic collaborators
- Future revenue streams
Think of networking as planting seeds, not harvesting crops on the spot.
The Smart Exit Strategy (That Actually Builds Relationships)
One of the most underrated business skills is knowing how to exit a conversation professionally without burning rapport.
A simple line like:
“Well Mark, I should get around and meet some others, but we should grab a coffee and continue this.”
Does three powerful things:
- Keeps things polite and natural
- Shows genuine interest
- Opens the door to a better follow-up conversation later
That one sentence can turn a casual chat into an actual business relationship.
Why This Matters (From a Business & Tax Perspective)
Here’s where I put my accountant hat firmly on…
Strong networking habits can lead to:
- More consistent revenue
- Better quality clients
- Increased referrals (often your highest ROI work)
- Business partnerships that reduce costs or expand services
All of these directly impact:
👉 Your profitability
👉 Your tax position
👉 Your long-term business value
Because at the end of the day, it’s easier to optimise tax on growing income than stagnant income.
The Real Value Happens After the Event
Networking events are just the beginning.
The real value comes from:
- Coffee catch-ups
- Follow-up calls
- One-on-one meetings
- Ongoing conversations
That’s where:
- Trust builds
- Opportunities develop
- Revenue actually happens
Good operators don’t try to “win the room” in one night — they aim to create multiple next conversations.
A Quick Tip for Your Next Event
If you remember nothing else, try this:
✔ Aim for short, meaningful conversations
✔ Move around intentionally
✔ Follow up with the best connections
And most importantly:
“Well… I should get around and meet some others…”
It’s simple, but incredibly effective.
Final Thought
Growing your business isn’t just about working harder — it’s about getting in front of the right people.
So next time you’re at an event, don’t get stuck…
Get moving — your next opportunity might be one conversation away.
