The Biggest Networking Mistakes Business Owners Make (w/ Vernon Lim)

Most people don’t hate networking; they hate networking without a clear purpose. In this episode of The Marketer’s Cookbook, community builder and brand strategist Vernon Lim returns to explain how entrepreneurs and business owners can network with intention, build valuable relationships and create opportunities without sounding fake or overly salesy. Networking is more than exchanging name cards or attending as many events as possible. It starts with knowing your objective, choosing the right rooms and approaching each conversation with the intention to create value. In this episode, we discuss: • What “networking with intention” actually means • Why introverts can become highly effective networkers • How to overcome approach anxiety at an event • Why you should not immediately pitch or sell to someone you just met • How to start a conversation without making it awkward • How to identify the right people without treating others as unimportant • Ways to gracefully leave a conversation and continue circulating • How many people you should aim to meet at each event • Why your follow-up creates the impression people remember • How to turn your network from an unorganised “storeroom” into a useful “warehouse” Vernon also shares practical conversation starters, common networking mistakes and a simple mindset shift: the person across the room may be hoping that someone approaches them too. Whether you are an introvert, a new business owner or an experienced entrepreneur looking to strengthen your professional network, this episode will help you approach networking with more confidence, structure and purpose. What is the most awkward networking experience you have ever had? Share it in the comments. 👉 Subscribe and turn on notifications for more practical conversations on marketing, branding and business growth. Chapter Markers 0:00 Intro — Networking With Intention 0:52 What Does Intentional Networking Mean? 2:04 Why Networking Is Part of Marketing and Branding 2:55 “No Time to Network?” 4:03 Why Introverts Can Be Great Networkers 5:43 How Networking Helped Our Careers 7:33 Why Networking Matters When Starting a Business 8:40 Overcoming Networking and Approach Anxiety 9:46 Is Networking a Slow Burn? 11:13 The Biggest Networking Mistakes 13:06 Business Is About Building Friendships 13:57 How to Start a Conversation at an Event 16:46 How to Qualify the Right Connections 17:49 How to Exit a Conversation Gracefully 18:28 Why You Should Meet People You Don’t Know 19:43 Add Value by Making Introductions 21:24 How to Find the Right Networking Events 22:14 The “High Net Worth Networking” Disaster 24:24 Three Ways to Prepare for a Networking Event 24:39 Why Your Follow-Up Is Your Real First Impression 25:28 Set a Networking Goal Before Entering the Room 26:15 The Mindset That Makes Networking Easier 28:00 Where to Find Networking Opportunities 29:39 How to Organise Your Professional Network 31:04 Turning Your Network Into a “Warehouse” 34:35 Final Takeaways 🎧 Also available on: Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/65cpBZ9... Apple Podcasts → Coming Soon Instagram →   / marketerscookbook   TikTok →   / themarketerscookbook   Brought to you by: — Path Digital Solutions ‪@pathdigitalsolutions‬ A growth consultancy helping SMEs scale with smart digital strategies. www.pathdigitalsolutions.com — Minto Studios ‪@MintoStudiosSG‬ A creative production house specialising in impactful photography and video content for businesses. www.mintostudios.com