Networking in Singapore doesn’t have to be scary. These tips and success stories will show you how to connect like a boss and make it stick.
Let’s be real: networking can feel a little awkward, right? But it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re meeting people at a fancy event or casually chatting at a coffee shop, making meaningful connections is easier than you think. We asked entrepreneurs to spill the tea on how they leave a lasting impression and their coolest networking success stories. Spoiler: it’s not just about handing out business cards.
Networking in Singapore: Tips from the pros
1. Be strategic in your networking approach
There’s value in building a professional network. Becoming more strategic in my networking approach has helped me achieve results faster. Here are my main rules:
– Start with the end in mind: What’s your networking goal? Clearly defining this will set the direction for your efforts.
– Identify who can help you achieve it: Take time to understand your target audience. Ask yourself: Where can I meet them? What do they care about? What topics engage them most?
– Craft an authentic brand narrative: First impressions count — our brains form them in just seven seconds. What message do you want to convey right away? What do you want others to remember about you? What do you want to be known for?
– Refine your message: Keep your story clear and tweak it based on the responses you get. Notice what sparks interest and adjust anything that doesn’t land well. And remember, “GOAT” stands for Go Out And Talk.
– Implement a follow-up strategy: What’s your plan for all those business cards or LinkedIn connections? Networking doesn’t stop when the event ends. Decide who you want to stay connected with and how — a quick message, coffee chat, or Zoom meeting.
– Be authentic: Let people connect with the real you, not a version of yourself you think they want. Authenticity builds stronger, more meaningful relationships.
– Aga Gajownik, 38, Director of Innovation and Integration
2. Be authentic, genuinely curious and add value
Networking while you’re in the corporate scene is a lot easier than networking as a solopreneur where you may not have a strong business brand to back you up. However, the same three tips always apply:
– Be authentic: Be professional but let your personality shine. I like to use humour to break the ice.
– Be genuinely curious: Ask thoughtful questions that show you’re interested in the person, not just what they can offer.
– Add value first: Offer to connect with someone in your network or share a resource without expecting anything in return.
The most serendipitous connection I made was at a blockchain event. A girl helped pour some wine into my glass before I went into the room to which I learned you weren’t supposed to bring in wine. I had to chug the whole glass. I chose a random seat and it was beside the same girl! She’s now one of my closest friends in Singapore. We didn’t learn anything about blockchain.
– Joy Q. Wang, 31, Founder & Creative Director at Bone and Grey Bridal
3. Listen actively
One of my best tips for leaving a lasting impression is to be genuinely curious and actively listen. Ask insightful questions about the other person’s work and interests. It’s amazing how much people appreciate when you focus the conversation on them.
My coolest connection was meeting the inspiring Anna Norriss at a networking event a few years ago; our initial conversation about shared industry challenges and vision turned into a valuable partnership. We now work together regularly, which has built trust and alignment between us and led us to work closely together at our ‘Ignite with Impact’ marketing retreat with a couple of other talented entrepreneurs.
– Anna Seefeldt, 47, Founder & Brand Strategist at Pink Pineapple Branding
4. Prioritise quality over quantity
As the leader of The Athena Network in Singapore, my top networking tip is to prioritise building deep, authentic relationships over sheer volume. Focus on joining smaller, targeted groups where you can have meaningful conversations and provide real value. The strongest networks are built on trust, support, and genuine connection, not just exchanging business cards.
Make it a habit to offer help and referrals where possible – reciprocity naturally follows when you create a foundation of goodwill. Remember, the power of networking lies in quality, not quantity!
– Rebecca Downie, 44, Personal Brand Photographer at Rebecca Downie Photography
5. Dress to impress
I might seem like an extrovert, but I honestly hate making the first move at networking events. So I often wear brightly coloured branded clothing, with a statement for impact. It acts as the icebreaker, and I can allow my introverted extrovert to take over!
– Kathy Rougier, 46, Director, Postpartum Doula and Founder of Empowa
6. Identify how you can add value
Networking is an art, and mastering it has been key to the growth of For The Love of Socials. I focus on making genuine connections at networking events rather than pitching our marketing services right away. I start with a brief introduction and then shift the conversation to understand their business challenges.
This approach helps identify how we can truly add value. Following up is also crucial. I make it a point to send a message the next day to reconnect, reinforcing the initial impression and setting the stage for a potential collaboration. This strategy has proven successful, as half of our clients were met through networking events!
– Adelphia Lim, 30, Founder of For The Love of Socials
7. Focus outwards
As someone who previously experienced social anxiety, networking events felt overwhelming. I’d put on a brave face, but in reality, like many of my clients’ experiences, I was anxious. Over time, I discovered strategies to create a genuine connection.
Other than working with a trauma-informed coach to address the root cause of social anxiety, one of the keys is focusing outwards – making others feel seen and heard by actively listening and asking thoughtful questions. It helps conversations flow naturally and builds deeper, meaningful connections. Wearing something memorable also works as an icebreaker.
One of my cool networking experiences was meeting someone in the holistic health industry. We began recommending each other’s services, and one day, she sat next to someone on a flight, starting a conversation about mental health. She mentioned my somatic trauma-informed coaching, which led to me supporting that passenger with her challenges. The impact and ripple effect is amazing!
– Sophie Leung, 37, Somatic Trauma Informed Coach at Sophie Leung Co
Networking in Singapore isn’t about collecting contacts – it’s about building relationships that matter. From unexpected partnerships to dream opportunities, the best connections often happen when you’re just being yourself. So, next time you’re at an event, take a deep breath, smile, and start a conversation. Who knows? Your next big break could be just a handshake away!
