Networking in Fingal works best when you treat it as relationship-building with intent. You’re there to understand other businesses, be useful, and keep showing up.
What business networking is (and isn’t)
Business networking is about meeting people who can support your business objectives through trust, relationships, and shared value. That can happen face-to-face at Chamber events or online through LinkedIn and other platforms.
It’s not collecting cards, doing the hard sell or trying to speak to everyone in the room.
Why it’s worth your time - especially in Fingal
Ireland’s business community is small and connected. That means:
Reputation travels fast
Referrals matter
People prefer to buy from someone they trust or who comes recommended
For start-ups and smaller firms, networking is also one of the most cost-effective ways to build visibility and credibility without big marketing spend.
Choose the right networking opportunities
Different formats suit different goals. Use the Chamber calendar deliberately:
B2B Networks – structured introductions, relationship-building, referrals over time
Breakfast Briefings – topical insights plus low-pressure conversations
Seminars/training – meet people with shared challenges and interests
Awards and flagship events – visibility, connection with decision-makers
Seasonal socials – relationship-strengthening in a relaxed setting
Outside Chamber, Local Enterprise Office Fingal networks (including Women in Business initiatives) can be a smart complement, particularly for early-stage founders.
Before you go - arrive with intent
Set one clear goal
Examples:
Meet two potential referral partners in construction/property
Find one supplier alternative for a key service
Get feedback on a new offer from three business owners
Reconnect with two existing members you’ve not spoken to in months
Do light research
If you can access a guest list, scan it for:
customers
suppliers
potential partners
people who are well-connected locally
Prepare a useful introduction
Keep it to 20-30 seconds and lead with the problem you solve.
Template you can adapt:
“I work with [type of business] who want to [result]. We help by [how].”
Bring the right basics
Business cards if you use them (good quality does matter)
LinkedIn QR code as a back-up
A way to capture notes quickly
During the event - how to network without being awkward
Start easy, then stretch
Warm up with someone you know, then make a point of speaking to people you don’t. If you’re nervous, arriving early can help because groups haven’t formed yet.
Ask better questions
Small talk is fine as a bridge, but don’t get stuck there. Move towards business needs.
Good questions:
“What are you focused on this quarter?”
“What type of customers are you trying to win more of?”
“What’s been a challenge lately that you’d like to solve?”
“What would a good connection look like for you?”
Focus on quality, not coverage
You don’t need equal time with everyone. A handful of relevant, well-handled conversations beats ‘working the room’ and spraying cards.
Be a giver, not a taker
Look for ways to add value:
make an introduction
share a useful resource
suggest a contact or local support
offer a practical insight
This builds trust and positions you as someone worth knowing.
Exit politely when needed
If someone is a clear time-waster, don’t get trapped. Keep it friendly:
“Lovely to meet you - I’m going to circulate, but let’s connect on LinkedIn.”
Behave like a host
Even if you’re new, act welcoming:
bring someone into a conversation
introduce two people who should know each other
keep your phone away and body language open
Things to avoid (they cost you quietly)
hard selling too early
throwing business cards around “like confetti”
monopolising one person
being dismissive of someone who seems ‘not useful’
drinking too much, complaining, being too loud
inappropriate humour
smoking (and smelling of it)
Also: don’t use membership lists inappropriately. Trust is everything in a Chamber.
After the event - where outcomes actually happen
Follow up within 48 hours
Don’t wait for them to contact you.
A strong follow-up:
references what you discussed
offers something useful
proposes a simple next step
Example:
“Good meeting you at the Fingal Chamber Breakfast Briefing. You mentioned hiring challenges - here’s the contact I spoke about. If you’d like, we can grab a quick coffee next week and compare notes.”
Track your contacts
Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM. Note:
where you met
what matters to them
what you promised
next action and date
Keep the relationship alive
Real business often comes after multiple touchpoints. Stay visible:
comment on LinkedIn posts
share something relevant occasionally
check in quarterly with high-value contacts
A simple mindset that works in Fingal
Be intentional - know why you’re there
Be useful - give value early
Be consistent - relationships compound
Be sound - people do business with people they like and trust
Takeaway
Pick one Fingal Chamber event in the next month, set a single measurable goal, prepare two strong questions, and follow up with everyone you had a meaningful chat with within 48 hours.