The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Networking
We've all been there—stuck in the dreaded cocktail conversation. You know the one:
"Hey, how are you?"
"Oh, so busy!"
"How many events do you have this year?"
And then? Awkward silence, or worse, a forced comparison of workloads that leaves no real room for connection. Networking in the wedding and events industry often feels like a script we’ve all been handed—but what if there’s a better way?
The real magic of networking isn’t in the number of contacts you make but in the quality of the connections you build. And that’s where emotional intelligence in networking (EQ) comes in.
What is Emotional Intelligence, and Why Does it Matter?
Emotional intelligence in business networking is a combination of four key elements:
Self-awareness – Understanding how you function in different environments.
Self-regulation – Managing your emotions and reactions appropriately.
Empathy – Reading and responding to the emotions of others.
Social skills – Navigating interactions in a way that fosters connection.
When you bring EQ into your networking strategy, it’s no longer about just handing out business cards—it’s about making people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Reading the Room: The Most Overlooked Networking Skill
Walking into a networking event for wedding professionals can feel intimidating—whether you’re the new kid on the block or a seasoned pro. One of the biggest pieces of advice? Read the room.
Notice who is standing alone or looking uncomfortable. A simple introduction can make all the difference in making someone feel included.
Be aware of the energy in a conversation before joining. If a group is deep in a serious discussion, don’t jump in with high-energy chatter. Instead, match their tone and ease your way in.
If you’re a more introverted networker, use a buddy system—bring a colleague or connect with someone online before an event to help ease into conversations.
Actionable Strategies to Try at Your Next Networking Event
Want to put EQ into action at your next networking event? Here are a few simple yet powerful strategies:
Before the Event:
Set an intention. Instead of focusing on collecting contacts, aim to have 2-3 meaningful conversations.
Research attendees. If possible, find out who will be there and identify a few people you’d love to meet.
Prepare open-ended questions. Jot down a few go-to questions that go beyond “What do you do?” to spark deeper conversations.
During the Event:
Start with an observation. Instead of defaulting to small talk, try: “I love the energy of this event—what’s been the highlight for you so far?”
Use body language. Make eye contact, nod to show engagement, and avoid scanning the room while in conversation.
Be a connector. If you meet someone new, introduce them to someone else who may be a great connection.
Have an exit strategy. If a conversation starts to stall, excuse yourself naturally: “I’m going to grab another drink—so great chatting with you!”
After the Event:
Send a personalized follow-up. Within 48 hours, send a quick DM or email mentioning a specific part of your conversation.
Engage on social media. Follow new connections and comment on their posts to keep the relationship warm.
Schedule a follow-up touchpoint. If a deeper connection is needed, suggest grabbing coffee or hopping on a quick call.
Bringing Emotional Intelligence Into Every Interaction
Whether you’re stepping into your first wedding industry networking event or you’re a well-connected pro, emotional intelligence for wedding professionals can set you apart in a noisy, competitive field. Being intentional about reading the room, asking better questions, and following up with heart can lead to deeper relationships, better business opportunities, and a stronger sense of community within the industry.
Want to hear more about how emotional intelligence in networking can transform your approach? Check out my conversation with Brian Green on the Weddings For Real podcast, where we dive into the power of EQ in relationship-building. Listen here!
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