Your network is your net worth.
In the modern world of work, especially at the international level, "opportunity" often doesn't come solely from ability, but also from... Networking is one of the essential English language skills for the workplace. Strong research indicates that more than 70-85% of new job and business opportunities arise from... Business networking This isn't a typical job application.
Importantly, networking is not about "asking," but about "creating value" and developing. Business relationships Ongoing — This view is consistent with research in… Harvard Business Review: Networking To reiterate, successful networkers are those who "give" more than they "ask."“
The right mindset before starting networking.
Give-first mentality
Good networking starts with "giving" first, such as introducing people, sharing insights, or helping solve small problems. This approach makes you appear more credible and professional than approaching people solely for immediate personal gain.
Quality over Quantity
action Build connections It's not about quantity, but quality. Five people with strong relationships are worth more than 50 people who simply exchange business cards.
Long-term relationship
Good networking is a long-term investment, not a one-time event. Greeting each other every 2-3 months or exchanging useful information helps maintain valuable connections. Long-standing relationships are a crucial leverage when it comes to business negotiations. See techniques here. Negotiation Language (English)
A powerful elevator pitch in 30 seconds.
The heart of Elevator pitch It's about communicating in a way that's "clear + interesting + memorable," using the same principles as an opening hook in a presentation — see the full presentation techniques in more detail here. Presentation Power: Presenting your work in English.
The formula is Who + What + Why + Call.
- Who: Who are you?
- What: What are you doing?
- Why: Why is this important?
- Call: Connects to a conversation.
example
Corporate:
“I'm a marketing manager at a fintech company. I focus on helping brands grow through data-driven campaigns. Recently, we increased customer acquisition by 40%—I'd love to hear how your team approaches growth.”
Freelance:
“I'm a freelance UX designer helping startups improve user experience. I recently worked with an e-commerce brand to increase conversions by 25%.”
Student:
“I'm a business student interested in digital marketing. I've been working on personal projects around social media analytics.”
Contextual adaptation
- Event → Short and concise
- LinkedIn → Add context
- Coffee chat → More natural.
Small Talk That's Not Boring
Small talk (in English) It is the key to getting started. Business relationships
10 Safety Topics
- travel
- food
- hobby
- technology
- industry
- Books/Podcasts
- event
- city
- sport
- Holiday plan
Topics to avoid.
Politics, religion, salary, age, or overly personal topics — especially in workplaces with international audiences — choosing culturally appropriate topics can greatly prevent faux pas. See [link]. Business Culture Mastery: International Business Etiquette
The formula ARE (Anchor – Reveal – Encourage)
- Anchor: Opening remarks.
- Reveal: Sharing a little bit.
- Encourage: Ask back
example:
“I heard this event is one of the biggest in the industry this year (Anchor). I've been looking forward to it (Reveal). What about you? (Encourage)”
Five key phrases for networking.
1. Approaching
- “"What if I join you?"”
- “Is this seat taken?”
2. Introducing
- “Hi, I'm [name]. I work in…”
3. Building Rapport
- “How did you get into this field?”
- “That's interesting—tell me more about…”
4. Exchanging Contacts
- “Can I connect with you on LinkedIn?”
5. Exiting Gracefully
- “I've really enjoyed our chat.”
- “Let's stay in touch.”
For more phrases and expressions in a business context, please search at: Cambridge Dictionary: Business topics
Professional networking via LinkedIn.
Usage LinkedIn networking The correct way is to build upon offline to online platforms.
Connection Request Template
“Hi [name], great meeting you at [event]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Let's stay in touch!”
A good first message.
Don't sell immediately, but instead:
- Share the article.
- I admire your work.
- Asking for opinions
Follow-up: An art form that Thais often forget.
Timing is very important.
Send a follow-up within 24-48 hours so they still remember you.
Email Template
Subject: Great meeting you at [event]
“Hi [name],
It was great meeting you at [event]. I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic].
As mentioned, I'm sharing [resource].
"Hope we can stay in touch!"”
For email templates for other situations, such as scheduling meetings, following up on tasks, or requesting information, see... A guide to writing professional English emails.
Keep in touch, but without bothering me.
- Share related articles.
- LinkedIn Comment
- Greet them periodically.
Types of Networking Events and Strategies
- Conference: Prepare your questions in advance.
- Trade show: Business Focus
- Meetup: Focus on community.
- Coffee chat: Build a deep relationship.
- Alumni: Use the same connection.
7 Mistakes That Make Networking Not Work
- Ask for more than you give.
- Talking only about oneself.
- No follow-up
- Keep contact information but don't take care of it.
- The pitch is too stiff.
- I don't remember the person's name.
- Only talk to people you know.
Checklist before attending a networking event.
- Prepare the elevator pitch.
- Study your colleagues.
- Prepare your questions.
- Prepare LinkedIn
FAQ
Is introvert networking okay?
Absolutely. Focus on quality over quantity, and choose events that suit you.
How should I greet someone without being awkward?
Use natural small talk; don't try to sell yourself immediately.
How many events do I need to attend to see results?
Consistency is more important than quantity.
Communicate effectively and build connections in any situation.
In the end Networking Being successful isn't just about being fluent in a language, but about a combination of mindset, communication, and consistency.
If you want to improve your business networking skills, small talk in English, and communicate confidently in the business world, you can start with... Business English course inlingua's products are designed specifically for practical use in the workplace.
