I'm writing this from a hotel room in Las Vegas.

I just came back from my first networking event at AWS re:Invent, where I was meeting AWS marketplace sellers. I didn't know a single person there.

Six years ago, I would have dreaded this. I would have walked in nervous, wishing I had a colleague to hide behind, counting the minutes until I could leave.

Instead, I walked out with 10 valuable connections and learned more in 90 minutes than I expected to learn all week.

Here's the framework I've developed over the years that completely changed how I approach networking.

1. Shift Your Mindset: You're an Insider, Not an Outsider

The first thing I tell myself before walking in: everyone here is in the same position.

If they know each other, great. But they showed up for the same reason you did: to meet new people. You're not crashing a party. You're not an outsider trying to break in. You're exactly who's supposed to be there.

This single mindset shift removes so much pressure. You don't have to try to be liked. You don't have to be someone you're not. Everyone is in the same shoes.

2. Remove the Agenda

I used to go into networking events with a checklist. "I need to meet this type of person. I need to accomplish these four things."

That pressure made it less fun. And when I didn't hit my goals, I felt like I failed.

Now my only goal is this: leave feeling like I met some great people and learned something new.

That's it. If I get those two things, the event was a success. Everything else is a bonus.

3. Have ONE Question You Want Answered

While I remove the big agenda, I do go in with one specific question I want to learn about.

For this event, mine was: "What are the top things you'd recommend someone new to the AWS marketplace focus on?"

One question. Easy to remember. Something I'll actually act on.

The information you exchange at networking events rarely changes the game. The people you meet do. So keep the learning focused and simple.

4. Look for the Open Semi-Circle

Body language tells you everything about whether a group is open to new people joining.

If you see a closed circle, people huddled tight with their backs to the room, skip it. There are other conversations.

But if you see an open semi-circle, where their body language invites someone to walk in, that's your moment. Jump in.

I target groups of two or three. It's easier to join without feeling like you're interrupting.

For more on reading body language and entering conversations, ​check out my post on how to network like a pro.​ 

5. The Simple Opener That Always Works

Walk up, smile, make eye contact, and say: "Hi, nice to meet you. My name is Preston. What's your name?"

That's it. Shake hands with each person.

When they tell you their name, repeat it back: "Mark, great to meet you." Say their name at least twice in the first 30 seconds. It helps you remember, and people love hearing their own name.

Then ask: "So what brings you to the event?"

Open-ended. Easy. Gets them talking.

6. Your Quick Intro (Then Pause)

When they ask about you, keep it short: "I'm Preston from Lucid Software. I'm new to selling on AWS Marketplace, so I'm here to learn and meet people who've done this before."

Then pause.

Don't ask, "Have you heard of my company?" They didn't ask. It might not be relevant. Let them lead with questions if they're curious.

If they don't have questions, ask them: "What have you enjoyed most about the event so far?" Let them share what's on their mind.

7. Exit Gracefully (No Excuses Needed)

When there's a natural slowdown, don't make up an excuse. Just be direct:

"Hey Mark, I'm going to go meet some other people. It was so nice to meet you."

If the conversation was valuable: "I'd love to stay in touch. Can we connect on LinkedIn?"

If it wasn't: "Hope you have a wonderful conference. I'll see you around."

No awkwardness. No fake bathroom breaks. Just a clean, respectful exit.

The Bottom Line

Networking doesn't have to feel like a chore. Go in with the right mindset, remove the pressure, and focus on genuine connection over transaction.

You might be surprised how much you enjoy it.

Preston