How to Get the Most Out of a Heels & Handshakes Event
Attending a networking event can be exciting, inspiring, and sometimes a little intimidating — especially if you're walking into a room where you don’t know many people yet.
At Heels & Handshakes, our events are designed to make networking feel natural, welcoming, and relationship-driven. Rather than focusing on quick introductions or transactional conversations, our community encourages meaningful connections between women who want to support each other’s growth.
Whether you're attending your first event or have been part of the community for a while, a little preparation can help you make the most of the experience.
1.) Come With Curiosity, Not Pressure
Many people walk into networking events feeling pressure to meet as many people as possible or to promote their business or career. In reality, the most meaningful connections often come from genuine conversations.
Instead of focusing on how many people you meet, focus on getting to know a few individuals well. Ask questions about their work, their passions, and what brought them to the event.
Approaching conversations with curiosity makes networking feel more natural and enjoyable for everyone involved.
2.) Prepare a Simple Introduction
It can be helpful to prepare a short way to introduce yourself when meeting someone new.
This doesn’t need to feel rehearsed or formal. We recommend the (3) P’s
Problem you solve
People you serve
Promise you make
For example:
“Hi, I help small business owners who feel invisible online turn their brand into something people actually notice and engage with. I work primarily with entrepreneurs, and I promise to help you show up with clarity, consistency, and a strategy that drives real growth.”.
3.) Focus on Building Relationships
The true value of networking comes from relationships that grow over time.
At Heels & Handshakes events, you’ll meet women from many different industries and backgrounds. Some may become collaborators, mentors, clients, or simply friends who understand your professional journey.
Instead of thinking about what someone can do for you, think about how you might support each other’s growth.
This mindset often leads to stronger and more meaningful connections.
4.) Be Open to Unexpected Connections
One of the most exciting parts of networking events is meeting people you might not normally encounter in your day-to-day life.
You might meet an entrepreneur launching a new business, a creative professional working on a passion project, or a corporate leader with years of experience in your field.
Some of the most valuable relationships come from unexpected conversations, so stay open to meeting people from different industries and experiences.
5.) Follow Up After the Event
One of the most important steps in networking actually happens after the event ends.
If you had a great conversation with someone, consider sending a quick follow-up message within a few days. A simple note saying you enjoyed meeting them and would love to stay in touch can go a long way.
Following up helps transform a brief conversation into a lasting professional relationship.
Support Other Members in the Community
One of the things that makes the Heels & Handshakes community special is the spirit of collaboration among members.
Supporting fellow members might look like:
recommending their services
introducing them to someone in your network
sharing their business or achievements
celebrating their wins
Small gestures of support strengthen the entire community.
Final Thoughts
Networking is not about collecting contacts — it’s about building relationships that grow over time.
Each event hosted by Heels & Handshakes is an opportunity to connect with women who are building businesses, growing careers, and supporting each other along the way.
By approaching each event with curiosity, openness, and a willingness to connect, you’ll find that networking can become one of the most rewarding parts of your professional journey.
If you're interested in connecting with other ambitious women in business, we invite you to explore upcoming events. All of our Chapters can be found here.
Chicago
Las Vegas
Nashville
Our events are designed to create meaningful connections, encourage collaboration, and support women as they grow their careers and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heels & Handshakes Events
Do I need to know people before attending a Heels & Handshakes event?
Not at all. Many attendees come to events without knowing anyone. Our events are designed to create a welcoming environment where women can easily start conversations and build meaningful professional connections.
What should I bring to a networking event?
You may want to bring business cards, but the most important thing is simply being open to conversations. A short introduction about what you do can also help start discussions naturally.
What should I talk about at a networking event?
Conversations often start with simple questions about work, interests, or what brought someone to the event. Asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine curiosity helps create stronger connections.
How do I follow up after meeting someone at an event?
A quick message thanking someone for the conversation and expressing interest in staying connected is often enough. Following up within a few days helps turn a brief introduction into a lasting professional relationship.