I remember my first proper networking event like it was yesterday. I had just started my first marketing job and got sent on a business trip to Paris. I had no idea why my boss wanted me there, I knew no one, and I had no clue what I was supposed to do. I sat through some fairly interesting presentations (and some painfully boring ones), but when the breaks came? I hid in the toilets or left the venue to get lunch elsewhere—just to avoid standing around awkwardly, trying to figure out how to talk to people.
I had convinced myself that everyone else knew each other, that they all belonged there more than I did, and that I had nothing useful to say. Looking back, I realise I was wrong about all of that. Networking isn’t about being naturally confident, and it’s definitely not about forcing small talk. It’s about making it easier for yourself to start conversations—with the right people, in the right environment. Stop assuming everyone else is confident If you’ve ever walked into a networking event thinking:
- Everyone here already knows each other.
- They all seem so confident.
- I’m the only one who feels awkward.
You are definitely not alone. Most people feel exactly the same way. They’re just hoping someone will start a conversation with them. You are not interrupting people by introducing yourself—you’re probably helping them out. And those small groups you see chatting? They probably just met five minutes ago.
The easiest way to start a conversation Just say something simple and get started:
“Hi, my name’s [your name], it’s good to meet you!” That’s it.
No overthinking. Just say it and the conversation has already begun. Then, have a couple of go-to follow-up questions to keep things moving:
- How come you’re in France? (Most expats love sharing their story.)
- What made you get into that line of work?
- What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now?
These work because they’re easy to answer, open-ended, and don’t make people feel like they’re being interrogated. Why structured networking is better than free-for-all mingling Some networking events are brilliant. Some are painful. You’ve probably been to one where:
- People just stand around, hoping someone talks to them.
- You get stuck listening to a 10-minute sales pitch you didn’t ask for.
- You leave without a single useful conversation.
That’s exactly why our events have been designed differently. At Riviera Entrepreneurs, every event gives you something to do and a reason to talk to the other guests. You’re never left standing there awkwardly, trying to figure out how to start a conversation. Here’s how it works:
- Coffee Connections – relaxed, guided networking over coffee. You’ll know exactly who to talk to and how to introduce yourself.
- Business Mastermind Café – structured discussions where you and a small group tackle real business challenges together.
- Afterwork Networking – social but structured, so you’re not just left standing awkwardly with a drink.
- Workshops – each one is focused on a specific business skill, so you naturally connect with people who have the same interests.
If you’ve ever struggled with networking, structured events are a complete game-changer. You can check out all our event types here: Riviera Entrepreneurs events.
If networking has never worked for you, try it differently Most people don’t actually hate networking. They just hate the way it’s usually done. If you’ve ever left an event thinking, Well, that was a waste of time, try structured networking that makes it easier to actually meet people. Come to one of our next events and see for yourself: Networking events with Riviera Entrepreneurs.