Business communication · Oct 26, 2026
How to Network When You Don't Know Anyone
By Inna Bez
Arriving alone can be an advantage: you are free to meet people outside an existing circle. Instead of scanning for the most impressive person, look for someone who is also between conversations.
Why it matters
Most people at a professional event are not part of a tight group. They arrived alone, they are checking their phone, and they would welcome a friendly opening. If you came alone, you are in the same position as a large share of the room, and nothing is blocking you from starting.
The real difficulty is not shyness, it is choosing where to begin. A small plan removes the guesswork: one learning goal, a few people to look for, and a clear way to leave.
Put it into practice
Before the event, choose one learning goal. On arrival, introduce yourself to the host, start three conversations and write one follow-up note before leaving.
- Pick one goal for the evening, such as learning how people in another industry hire, or finding one person who has solved a problem you are facing. A goal makes every conversation more interesting.
- Arrive in the first half hour. Rooms are easier to enter while they are still filling up.
- Greet the host or organizer first. They know who is in the room and can introduce you.
- Look for people standing alone or at the edges of a group with an open posture. Say hello with a short, easy question.
- Aim for three real conversations, not a count of cards. Ask, listen, then ask a follow-up.
- Before you leave, write one note on your phone for each person: their name, what they are working on and one thing you could send them.
What to say
What brought you here tonight?
- “Hi, I'm Alex. I don't know many people here yet. What brought you tonight?”
- “Is this your first event like this, or are you a regular?”
- “I'm hoping to learn more about how companies in your field find suppliers. How does it work for you?”
Common mistakes to avoid
- Scanning the room for the most senior person and ignoring everyone else. Helpful introductions often come from people who are not on stage.
- Hovering at the edge of a closed circle. Look for open groups of two or three, or someone who has just finished a conversation.
- Leaving without any follow-up note. Within a day or two you will have forgotten the details that made each person memorable.
Keep reading
Quick answers
The short version
Use a prepared question such as “What brought you here tonight?”. It is neutral, it invites a real answer, and it gives you time to listen.
Thank the person, mention something you enjoyed, and say you are going to meet a few more people. For example: “It was great hearing about your project, I'm going to say hello to a few others. Can I find you later?”