You finally got the meeting. 🎉
You connected at the mixer. You followed up. You booked the Zoom. And now… you’re sitting there, staring at the screen (or across a table at Starbucks), thinking…
“So… what now?”
If your one-on-one meetings feel like awkward blind dates that lead nowhere, you’re not alone. Most people have never been taught how to have a networking meeting that actually works.
But the truth is, effective one-on-one networking meetings are the secret sauce of relationship-based business growth.
Let’s fix yours right now.
Know What You’re Looking For
Before you even hop on the call, you should have a solid idea of what you’re hoping to get out of it.
That doesn’t mean you’re showing up with a pitch deck and a square-jawed sales face.
It means you’re clear on what kind of connections you’re looking for:
- Are you trying to meet event organizers?
- Affiliates for your launch?
- Referral partners for your $5K offer?
Whatever it is, know it—and be ready to articulate it in plain English. If you’re not sure how to position your offer for collaborators, your 8-second intro can help you dial that in.
Set the Stage Before the Meeting
Use a booking link like Calendly to streamline the process and make it professional. Want to take it to the next level? Include questions like:
- “What are your business goals right now?”
- “What kind of people are you hoping to meet?”
- “What would make this call wildly valuable for you?”
Asking these before the meeting means you come in hot with relevant insights, thoughtful questions, and a sense of direction.
(Pro tip: Here’s how to set up that Calendly link like a pro. You’ll thank me later.)
Provide Value First. Always.
Here’s the part most people screw up. The purpose of a one-on-one is not to get something—it’s to give something.
And there are three magic ways to give value:
- 🧠Advice – Share a book, resource, or insight that helps them.
- 🤝 Introduction – Connect them to someone relevant.
- 🎯 Offer – But only if they’ve shown a need your offer solves.
Let’s say the person across from you is a coach who’s struggling to make consistent income. They mention they’re great at transformation but struggle with finding more clients or converting calls into cash. That’s when you might casually drop this:
“Hey, you ever heard of Rob Goyette’s Laser Coaching model? It’s a game-changer for coaches looking to boost revenue without burning out. I actually have a link to the free training he offers—worth a look.”
Boom. That’s value. You just gave them a resource that could solve a real problem—and they’ll remember you for it.
Take Notes, Follow Up, Be a Pro
Always follow up. Even if the meeting doesn’t result in fireworks, send a quick note:
“Great to connect. Let me know how I can support you.”
And if you promised a referral or link? Do it. Like, today. Following through is what separates the amateurs from the people who become legendary connectors. (And if your follow-up strategy could use some polish, this breakdown of how most people blow it is a must-read.)
Build Momentum, Not Just a Contact List
Effective one-on-one networking meetings aren’t transactional. They’re relationship seeds. Plant them right, and they grow into partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities.
You just have to know how to do it with intention, generosity, and clarity.
Want to Master Networking the Right Way?
The tips above are just a taste. If you want the full system—the one I’ve used to build an empire of powerful connections—you’ll want to grab my book:
👉 The Guy Who Knows A Guy’s Guide to Networking
No fluff. No scripts. Just a practical, powerful system for turning connections into opportunities.
Start showing up to your next one-on-one like a pro. The kind of pro people remember.