3 smart moves to make when networking

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from a scuba diver:

“Plan the dive. Dive the plan.”

It’s great advice for deep water.

And even better advice for networking.

The Problem

We show up to networking events and conferences hoping something good happens.

But we don’t make a plan.

So we leave with a few lukewarm LinkedIn requests and zero real momentum.

Here’s what we don’t do (but should):

• Ask who else is going
• Email people ahead of time
• Have intentional conversations with those people

The Big Small Thing

At your next networking event or conference…

Plan the dive. Dive the plan.

One of my team members, Lauren, recently crushed this at Kit’s Craft + Commerce conference in Boise.

Lauren is wildly smart and the queen of follow up. Her strategy really impressed me. She made a plan, followed up, and walked away with real relationships.

It reminded me just how powerful a little intention can be.

Here are 3 smart moves to make at your next networking event:

1. Ask around before you go.

Text 2–3 people you trust: “I’m going to X. Know anyone I should meet?”

Lauren texted me two weeks before her event with that exact question. When I forgot to respond to her, she texted again to remind me. Loved that.

I introduced her to a few friends. One intro led to a dinner invite. That dinner led to four new relationships.

2. Reach out to speakers ahead of time.

Message 2–3 speakers or attendees you admire. Let them know you’re excited to meet.

Three days before the event, Lauren emailed speakers and workshop leaders, “I love what you do. Can’t wait to learn from you in person.”

So when she walked into their sessions, they already knew her name. It made the in-person connection warmer, easier, and more meaningful.

3a. Write your “dive plan” before the event.

Just like a diver plans a dive, you need a plan for your event. Write down a list of the people you want to meet and rank them 1-3 priority for you (1 = high, 3 = low).

Not all connections are created equal. There is nothing wrong with being intentional about who might be the a) most fun b) productive c) lucrative connections for you.

Here’s one I made from a conference in Atlanta. Add a column to make yourself accountable for when you complete a 1:1 conversation with them. (This is different from chatting with them in a group of 4.)

3b. OR…Write your dive plan during the event.

At another event I went to, I didn’t have time to do the prep work — but I found myself in a breakout session with a dozen or so leaders.

As everyone went around the table and introduced themselves, I noted 3 people (see circles) who I wanted to meet during the rest of the conference.

Again, there is something so powerful about an intentional plan at a networking event. Once I circled Callie, Shruti, and Brian, it felt like a game/mission to seek them out and get to know them better.

✅ BONUS TIP: Lauren took selfies with people she met at her event and posted them on LinkedIn. Tagging them = easy extra touchpoint.

None of this was complicated.

But it was intentional.

Want more? Subscribe to my newsletter!

How This Helps You Get What You Want

Great connections don’t just happen. They’re made—with clarity, intention, and courage.

And people remember the ones who show up prepared.

So next time you’re tempted to wing it?

Plan the dive.

Dive the plan.