MatchPoint

What if “being professional” is actually holding you back in networking? 🤔 Most professionals focus on making the right impression—polished, formal, and perfectly rehearsed. But according to networking expert Andy Lopata, that approach might be the very thing stopping you from building real relationships. 👉 In this interview, Andy shares: - The key to balancing authenticity with credibility - How being overly professional can make you forgettable - How to make meaningful connections even if you don’t know a single person at an event - How being overly professional can make you forgettable Do you think it’s possible to be both professional and fully authentic when networking? #NetworkingMadeEasy

Tired of awkward intros and dead-end convos at events? 😅 We’ve all been there. Swipe through to see 4 bad networking icebreakers—and what to say instead! #NetworkingMadeEasy

What's the best way to grow your network? Help someone else grow theirs. 💡 Today's challenge: Introduce two people in your network who should know each other. Small action, big impact—because when you facilitate valuable connections, you become a go-to person in your industry Here’s a simple, 3-step formula to make introductions easy: 1️⃣ Identify a Common Thread: Think of two people who share an industry, challenge, or interest. (e.g., “Both of these people are navigating event tech innovations right now.”) 2️⃣ Send a Warm, Context-Rich Message: Use this message as a template: “Hey [Name 1] and [Name 2], I wanted to introduce you both because I think you’d really enjoy connecting. [Name 1], [Name 2] has deep experience in [specific area], and [Name 2], [Name 1] has been doing some interesting work in [specific area]. You’re both passionate about [shared interest], and I think there might be some valuable insights to exchange. I’ll let you take it from here—but happy to help if you need me!” 3️⃣ Follow Up Later: Check in a week or two later with each person: “Hey [Name], just wanted to see if you and [Other Name] had a chance to connect. I'd love to hear how the conversation went!” Who can you introduce today? #NetworkingMadeEasy

With a clear front-runner in our poll (no nail-biter here), we’re excited to introduce Beyond the Handshake—our new blog where we dive into the real (and sometimes awkward) world of networking, share event strategies, and explore what makes connections last. No fluff, no forced small talk—just practical insights with a fresh perspective. 👉 Check it out: https://lnkd.in/ernsVxKV

Are you designing your events to help attendees build connections? Every event is an opportunity to make valuable connections. Yet, many attendees leave without making the relationships that could impact their careers. As an event organizer, you’re not just running an event—you’re creating a networking ecosystem. And the data is clear: Professionals with larger, well-maintained networks are 58% more likely to be successful. So why is traditional networking falling short? Too often, networking at events feels forced: ❌ Awkward mixers where people don’t know how to start conversations. ❌ One-off interactions that don’t turn into real relationships. ❌ Attendees connecting with people they already know instead of expanding their network. Here's how to create an event that ACTUALLY sparks connection: 1️⃣ Use structured icebreakers > free-form mingling People need a reason to talk. Instead of leaving networking to chance, integrate structured icebreakers: - Pre-event matchups: Introduce attendees before the event so they walk in with a connection. - Networking challenges: Encourage attendees to meet at least 3 new people in their industry. - Guided conversations: Provide prompts like “What’s a challenge you’re working on right now?” 2️⃣ Facilitate connections based on shared interests Not every connection is valuable—help attendees meet the right people. - Use event apps or name tags that display interests, industries, or goals. - Host curated roundtables where attendees are grouped by topic or industry. - Provide networking lounges with conversation starters to remove the awkwardness of “Who do I talk to?” 3️⃣ Encourage post-event follow ups Most networking value is lost when people don’t follow up. Make it easy for them: - Send a “Follow-Up Friday” email with attendee LinkedIn links. - Create a post-event LinkedIn group where connections can continue. - Offer a networking recap session where people can share key takeaways and reconnect. The bottom line? Be the Architect of Connection. Your event isn’t just about great speakers or a packed agenda. It’s about the relationships it creates. The best events don’t just teach—they connect, and those connections drive long-term success for your attendees. 💡 What’s one networking strategy that’s worked at your events? Share below! 👇 #EventProfs #NetworkingMadeEasy

How to escape the ‘So…what do you do?’ loop at events: 1️⃣ Find a window – Stare out of it dramatically. Bonus points if you whisper, 'Networking is hard.' 2️⃣ Compliment something random – 'Nice…uh…name tag font.' 3️⃣ Or just use MatchPoint – it helps you find people who actually want to talk about more than the weather. 🌤️💬 Because networking should feel like you're making connections, not getting interrogated. 👉 Skip the small talk. Download MatchPoint.

Struggling to break the ice at networking events? Try this: 💡 “What’s a challenge you’re working on right now?” It’s better than “What do you do?” because: ✔️ It sparks real conversations, not just job titles. ✔️ It gives you a chance to offer value. ✔️ It makes you more memorable. What’s your go-to networking question? Drop it below! 👇 #NetworkingMadeEasy

You don’t always need new contacts to grow your network—sometimes, the best opportunities come from reigniting old ones. 💡 Take 60 seconds right now to message someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Try something simple: “Hey [Name], it’s been a while! I saw [something relevant about them] and thought of you. Hope you’re doing well!” Go on, do it. Thank us later. 😉 #NetworkingMadeEasy

💘 Ah, Valentine’s Day—when people swipe for love… and get ghosted. Why not swipe for opportunity? A MatchPoint connection could lead to your next big win. Because let’s be real—your career deserves some love too. 💼💡

Networking and dating have a lot in common. Both involve putting yourself out there, making a great first impression, and hoping the other person doesn’t just disappear afterward. But much like bad first dates, bad networking experiences happen all the time: 🚩 The person who talks only about themselves. 🚩 The one who pitches their business within 30 seconds. 🚩 That magical conversation… followed by radio silence. So how do you find the “right match” in networking? 1️⃣ Know what you're looking for In dating, some people want a serious relationship, while others are just there for a good time. Networking is the same. Are you looking for a mentor? A business partner? A quick knowledge exchange? When you know your goal, you’ll connect more meaningfully. 2️⃣ Go beyond small talk “How’s business?” “What do you do?” These questions are the equivalent of “So, what’s your sign?” 🙃 Instead, try: 💡 “What’s the most exciting project you’re working on?” 💡 “What’s something in your industry that no one talks about but should?” These kinds of questions build deeper, real connections. 3️⃣ Make the first move In networking (just like dating), waiting for the other person to follow up is a losing game. If you had a great conversation, don’t leave it to fate. Send that LinkedIn message, make the intro, schedule the coffee chat. 4️⃣ Use smarter matchmaking Imagine if dating apps just threw random people your way with zero compatibility filters. That’s how most networking feels—random, awkward, and hit-or-miss. The best connections happen when there’s alignment in interests, goals, or industries. That’s why tools like MatchPoint exist—to take the guesswork out of finding meaningful connections at events. At the end of the day, networking (like dating) is about building relationships, not transactions. The best connections aren’t rushed, forced, or transactional—they’re built on authenticity, shared value, and great conversation. What’s your best ‘green flag’ for spotting a great connection? #EventProfs #NetworkingMadeEasy