Find Business Contacts: Best Places for Networking

Your business lives and dies by its contacts. Every successful deal, partnership, and opportunity starts with a connection.

But finding the right business contacts isn’t easy. The professional world has changed dramatically. Networks shrank by 16% between 2019 and 2021, according to Harvard Business Review. People are connecting differently now.

Yes, LinkedIn has over a billion professionals. Yes, virtual networking is booming. Both online and face-to-face engagement matter. What really counts is knowing where to look and how to connect effectively.

Having interviewed dozens of successful entrepreneurs, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t in today’s networking landscape.

Let’s cut through the noise and explore the best places to find valuable business contacts in 2024.

Local industry Meetups

Chances are, there’s a regular, local event for people in your industry. A quick browse on meetup.com, Eventbrite and groups on Facebook and Linkedin can reveal a variety of interesting events in your local area.

If you can’t find anything relevant, why not consider starting your own group? You can use Meetup once again to do this. Consider hosting monthly talks featuring local business owners and industry experts or holding a regular open bar where professionals in your area can have a casual chat over a drink.

Think about sponsoring a local meetup not necessarily directly related to your industry but relevant to your customers. It could be a great excuse to go along and get networking. To effectively approach sponsorship opportunities, start by following and engaging with event organizers on LinkedIn, commenting thoughtfully on their posts to build rapport. Once a relationship is established, you can then propose sponsorship as a way to support their efforts which in turn enhances your network of business contacts.

Our top tips for excelling at local industry meetups:

Prepare an Elevator Pitch by having a brief, compelling introduction about yourself and your business ready to share with potential business contacts.
Show genuine interest in others’ work and ideas through active listening.
Think about how you can help others in the group. Offering assistance or advice can establish you as a helpful and valuable member of the community.
Make sure to exchange business cards or digital contacts for future correspondence with new business contacts.
Send a brief follow-up message or email to the contacts you made, expressing your interest in keeping the conversation going.

Tip 💡: Need to find someone’s business email address? Check out our detailed guide on finding and verifying business email addresses using both free and paid tools.

LinkedIn remains the world’s largest professional network. Yes, there’s plenty of motivational quotes and humble brags. But beneath the noise, it’s still where real business happens. Over 80% of B2B leads come from LinkedIn, and 70% of users have found jobs through their connections.

Finding the Right Contacts

Use the search bar smartly. Type in “[Your Industry] + [Your Location]”
Filter by “People” then “Current Company” and job title to find decision makers
Look at who comments on popular posts in your industry – these are active, engaged professionals

Making Real Connections

Don’t just click “Connect.” That’s lazy. Instead:

Mention something specific from their profile
Reference a recent post they’ve shared
Point out a mutual connection or shared interest
Keep it short – three sentences max

Quick Tip: Looking to find business contacts in your industry? Check who’s viewed your profile. These people are already interested in you or your business so it’s the perfect time to reach out.

Before reaching out, use a quick Google search to find recent news or achievements about your potential contact. This extra research helps personalize your message.

Groups That Actually Work

Many LinkedIn groups have low engagement. But active, well-moderated groups still exist

Groups with recent activity (last 24 hours)

Regular discussions, not just link sharing
Active moderators
Under 5,000 members (these tend to be more engaged)

Is a Premium account worth It?

If you’re seriously hunting for contacts, yes. You get:

InMail to message anyone
Advanced search filters
See who’s viewed your profile
Better connection suggestions

X formerly known as Twitter

You’d be surprised the relationships you can form on X/Twitter. By keeping your ears and eyes open and You’d be surprised the relationships you can form on X/Twitter. By keeping your ears and eyes open and joining in conversations about topics you’re interested in, you can befriend anyone from potential customers to journalists working in your field.

Setting Up a Professional Account

Converting to an X Professional account unlocks powerful networking tools. Here’s how to maximize them:

Professional Home – Performance analytics: Track your engagement metrics and spot engagement opportunities
Profile Spotlights: Showcase your expertise and services directly on your profile
Professional Category: Display your industry to attract relevant connections
Affiliated Accounts: Link your business ecosystem for better networking reach

Kristen Curtiss, social media expert at Constant Contact, has a few tips for building business relationships on Twitter…

“You can reach out to people who may not know your business and start a conversation with them, or retweet something they’ve posted. Being social should be your number one goal when it comes to Twitter. Pay attention to the content they share on a regular basis. When you learn what people are interested in, you can create and share content that’s relevant to them. This will help move the relationship forward, positioning you as a source of useful information and opening up new opportunities for your business.”

Actionable Steps

Join industry-specific conversations. Reach your target audience using relevant hashtags.
Engage with posts before promoting your own content
Follow and interact with industry leaders’ conversations
Participate in Twitter Spaces for real-time networking
Use Quick Promote to boost your most engaging content
Thank others for mentions to spark genuine conversations

Make sure you add value to conversations. Just as you wouldn’t interrupt a conversation to promote your product in person, it’s equally important not to do so online.

Networking at Business Conferences

Let’s be honest – walking into a room full of strangers can feel intimidating. But conferences remain one of the most effective ways to build your professional network.

Mike Fishbein, founder of Startup College, notes conferences as a great way to meet new professional contacts…

“Attending a conference or event is a great way to meet a large group of professional contacts. Professional events are often publicized through industry newsletters and blogs. Try to find a guest or speaker list to determine if the event is worth attending. This will also allow you to be productive with your time if you do attend.”

Before the Conference

Research attendees and speakers you want to meet
Connect on LinkedIn beforehand, mentioning you’ll both be there
Download the conference app – most have networking features
Check the agenda and plan your networking breaks

During the Conference

Arrive early for informal chats over coffee
Choose strategic seating – next to people, not walls
Use session breaks for quick connections
Look for solo attendees – they’re often eager to chat

💡 Pro Tip: Forget the old “work the room” advice. Focus on making 2-3 meaningful connections per day rather than collecting business cards like Pokemon.

Make It Natural

Start with simple observations about the session you just attended
Ask what brought them to the conference
Share a genuine challenge you’re facing
Listen more than you talk

The Follow-Up (Where Most People Fail)

Connect on LinkedIn within 24 hours
Reference something specific from your conversation
Suggest a concrete next step (call, coffee, intro)

💡 Pro Tip: Learn proven networking strategies from successful entrepreneurs, in our expert interview series.

Virtual Networking Events

Virtual networking offers a unique ways to find business contacts without geographical limitations. It has evolved from a pandemic necessity to a permanent fixture in professional networking. According to Cvent’s 2024 research:

71% of event planners now use hybrid formats, combining virtual and in-person networking
82% of organizations report virtual components help reach a wider audience
Virtual events generate 3x more engagement than traditional formats

But, are virtual gatherings effective for making business connections?

While specific connection rates are harder to verify, virtual events offer unique advantages for networking. The removal of geographical barriers means access to a wider pool of potential contacts. Virtual platforms provide structured networking opportunities through features like breakout rooms, one-on-one meeting scheduling, and digital business card exchanges.

Where to Find Virtual Networking Events

LinkedIn Events

Go to LinkedIn’s search bar at the top of homepage. Enter relevant industry keywords (e.g., “tech industry,” “business development”) and hit ‘Enter’ to run the search.
Select the ‘Events’ tab to filter only events.
You will now see a list of events. Look out for ‘Online’, ‘virtual’, or ‘hybrid’ next to each result which is the vast majority of them. You can also filter by a date and time that works for you. The results looked very promising with pages and pages of relevant offerings.

Whats great about this is once you have hit the ‘Attend’ button you can see all of the other attendees Linkedin profiles and now have a great opportunity to reach out. There is even a ‘Networking’ tab under the vent where it filters attendees who are in the same industry.

Meetup.com

Go to Meetup.com and click ‘Search’ at the top of the page. Enter your industry or interest (e.g., “business networking,” “tech professionals”).
Click the ‘Online’ filter to see virtual events onlyYou’ll now see a list of virtual events in your industry. Each listing shows the number of attendees, group size, and event frequency.

What’s great about Meetup is you can see the group’s past events and reviews before joining. This helps you gauge if it’s an active, engaged community. Many groups host regular monthly networking sessions, giving you consistent opportunities to build your network.

Tips for Making Meaningful Connections at virtual events

Research attendees beforehand – look up their company name and recent news to create meaningful conversation starters

Prepare a clear, concise introduction
Use the event’s digital tools (chat, business card exchange)
Join breakout rooms that match your interests
Follow up with new contacts within 24 hours of the event to maintain momentum and build genuine relationships.

Facebook Groups

Facebook Groups have evolved into powerful networking spaces to find business contacts who share your interests, with over 1.8 billion monthly active users. While many think of Facebook as purely social, its groups have become valuable spaces for professional connections.

How Facebook Groups Work for Networking

Members share industry insights and ask questions

Professionals connect over common challenges
Discussions happen in a more relaxed environment than LinkedIn
Direct messaging allows for one-on-one connections
Regular engagement builds your professional reputation

The key is to participate meaningfully – answer questions, share expertise, and build relationships before promoting yourself. Think of it as a virtual networking event where you’re building genuine connections rather than just collecting business cards.

Finding Relevant Business Groups

Use specific search terms:

“[Your Industry] Professionals”
“Business Networking [Your Location]”
“[Your Field] Entrepreneurs”

We recommend focussing on groups with active moderation and genuine engagement. A smaller, engaged group of 3,000 members often provides more value than a silent group of 30,000.

💡 Pro Tip: Wondering whether to use a CRM or contact management software to organize your business connections? Learn which solution best fits your needs in our detailed comparison of CRM vs contact management systems.

Introductions from existing contacts

Don’t be afraid to ask for introductions from people you already know. Most people will be happy to introduce you to their contacts, but make sure you have something valuable to offer.

Liz Ryan of Human Workplace reminds us to only make introductions when they’re beneficial to both parties.

“Business introductions aren’t complicated, but you have to think before you act, because it’s a cardinal networking sin to impose an introduction (or worse, a lunch or coffee!) on someone who isn’t expecting that obligation and doesn’t want it. Ask before you introduce, but once you get an affirmative answer, don’t be wishy-washy — put your friends together for everybody’s benefit!”

Identify Prospects: Consider which current contacts could introduce you to relevant people in your field.
Clarify Your Intentions: Clearly communicate your objectives for seeking new introductions.
Offer Mutual Support: Show readiness to help in return, encouraging a give-and-take relationship within your network.

Coworking spaces

Networking in co-working spaces is a great way to find business contacts in a refreshing, energetic environment. These vibrant hubs are bustling with opportunities for innovative collaborations and spontaneous connections. Here’s how you can dive into this lively scene and make the most of it

Be the first to say hello. Introduce yourself and be ready to exchange contact details. Breaking the ice can lead to meaningful interactions.
Be authentic and engage in discussions without a hidden motive. Genuine interactions are more likely to lead to valuable business connections.
Use lunch and other breaks to socialize in communal spaces.
Participate in or organize coworking events. These settings are conducive to relaxed and open networking.
Offer help in your area and seek advice when needed, encouraging teamwork and joint efforts.

B2B Contact Databases to find business contacts: Worth The Investment?

Let’s talk about B2B databases and prospecting platforms. Yes, those platforms promising endless business contacts. ZoomInfo, LinkedIn Sales Navigator, Apollo, Lusha – they’re powerful tools. But they’re not magic.

What You Actually Get

Company information
Decision makers’ contact details
Industry insights
Customer base insights and market data
Org charts
Direct phone numbers and emails

The reality check is that cold contacts rarely convert. These databases work best when you:

Research before reaching out
Personalize every message
Focus on your specific industry
Verify information before using it
Combine with social proof
Use advanced Google boolean operators (e.g., “site:linkedin.com “CEO” “Tech” “London””) to supplement your research

Cost Considerations

Pricing varies significantly:

Apollo.io starts at $49/month for basic features
LinkedIn Sales Navigator begins at $99.99/month
ZoomInfo starts around $15,000/year for small teams

These costs can be significant, especially for small businesses or startups. The good news? There’s another approach.

Building your own contact database might take longer, but it’s worth the effort. Unlike a purchased contact database, your self-built network consists of real, verified connections. Here’s how successful networkers do it:

Connect strategically on LinkedIn
Attend industry events regularly
Ask satisfied clients for introductions
Create valuable content that attracts the right people
Speak at industry conferences

Remember, the most valuable business contacts come from genuine relationships. While B2B databases can help you research and verify information, they shouldn’t replace real networking. The best strategy combines both: use databases as a research tool, but focus on building authentic connections that last.

Public Speaking Engagements

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Public speaking terrifies most people. But here’s what nobody tells you – the audience wants you to succeed. They’re not there to judge. They’re there to learn.

Start Small, Think Big:

Speak at local business meetups
Join industry panel discussions
Present at chamber of commerce events
Share insights at professional associations

Why It Works for Networking:

The moment you step off that stage, you’re the expert in the room. People approach you. No awkward small talk needed. They come with questions, ideas, and often, business opportunities.

Making It Less Scary:

Start with 5-minute lightning talks
Share a specific challenge you solved
Tell one customer success story
Focus on your actual experience

The Contact-Building Part:

Arrive early, stay late
Have business cards ready
Create a simple slide with your contact info
Set up a LinkedIn QR code for easy connections
Follow up with attendees who asked questions

Remember, you don’t need to be Tony Robbins. You just need to share what you know. Every business owner has valuable experience – even if it’s just what not to do.

Conclusion: How to build a strong network of business contacts

Effective networking and outreach is about building genuine relationships and offering value to others. Remember, the best places to meet new business contacts are those where you can engage in meaningful conversations and create lasting connections.

For more detailed strategies on cultivating these relationships, explore our guide on how to build meaningful business relationships that last, where we delve deeper into techniques for nurturing long-term professional connections.

FAQ’s

How do I find a company’s contacts?

Tools like Hunter.io and Clearbit are a great way for scraping a company website to find business contacts and individual email addresses and both offer free accounts. Clearbit can integrate directly into gmail. Swordfish AI is another tool worth trying as it can verify contact information in real time.

How do I meet new business contacts?

To meet new business contacts, actively network at industry events, join professional groups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. Participate in local meetups and conferences, and don’t hesitate to reach out for introductions through your existing contacts. Building a strong online presence can also attract potential business relationships.

Ways to find contact information for business owners?

To find contact information for business owners, use LinkedIn for direct connections, explore company websites, utilize networking platforms like Hunter.io for email discovery, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums or business groups.

How can I create an impactful elevator pitch for networking events?

Start with a clear statement about what you do and your unique value. Keep it under 30 seconds, focus on solving a problem, and practice religiously to ensure a confident delivery. Tailor your pitch to the specific audience for best results. Look at these 14 Elevator pitch examples from Hubspot to inspire.

How do I find B2B Leads?

To find B2B leads and new connections, utilize databases like GetProspects and Lusha for targeted business contacts. Supplement this by attending industry networking events, participating in relevant LinkedIn groups, and utilizing referral programs to expand your lead sources and enrich your professional network.

Additional Resources:

Naisbitt on Networking

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