Ask any experienced entrepreneur where their best clients come from, and the vast majority will answer the same: through referrals and connections. Networking is not collecting business cards at events – it is the systematic building of relationships that bring value to both sides. In this article: how to approach networking honestly and effectively, even if it doesn't feel „natural“ to you.
Why networking works
People buy from people they trust – and trust travels fastest through a referral from someone we already know. A referred client arrives with fewer reservations, less haggling over price and a higher likelihood of long-term cooperation. Beyond business, a network also brings knowledge, feedback and partnerships you would never have found on your own.
Where to network (in Ljubljana and online)
- Coworking spaces – the only environment where networking happens in passing, every day, over coffee. More on this below.
- Professional events and conferences – choose those where your potential clients are, not just colleagues from your industry.
- Entrepreneurial communities and meetups – regular, smaller gatherings build deeper relationships than large conferences.
- LinkedIn – post about your work and engage with others' posts; online visibility opens doors in person.
- Your own clients – a satisfied client is the best networker; ask for a referral while the work is freshly done.
How to approach it: give before you take
- Start with questions about the other person, not your own pitch – genuine interest is rare and therefore memorable.
- Prepare a short, clear answer to „what do you do?“ – one sentence, no jargon.
- Offer help, a contact or information with no expectation – that is the currency of networking.
- Follow up within 48 hours: a short message, a LinkedIn connection, the promised information.
- Maintain contacts even when you need nothing – that is when relationships are truly built.
The most common mistakes
- Selling at first contact – networking is not cold sales.
- Collecting contacts without following up – 100 cards with no follow-up is 0 relationships.
- Networking only when business dries up – a network is built in good times.
- Underestimating „unimportant“ contacts – today's student is tomorrow's director.
Coworking: networking on a daily basis
Events are useful, but relationships are built through repetition – and that is exactly what a coworking space offers. At makerSP_CE you meet developers, designers, translators, engineers and entrepreneurs over the same coffee every day. A question across the table replaces hours of searching online; members exchange referrals naturally, because they know each other. The community regularly organises events and gatherings too – here, networking is literally built into the rent. As we like to say: coworking is not just a space, it is a community.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What if I'm an introvert and networking feels uncomfortable?
Introverts' strength is deeper one-on-one conversations – and those build the strongest bonds. Choose smaller, regular environments (e.g. coworking) instead of large events, and set yourself a reachable goal: one good conversation, not ten superficial ones.
How much time should I devote to networking?
An hour or two a week is enough, but consistently: one event a month, regular contact within your community and short follow-ups as you go.
How does a freelancer measure networking?
A simple question with every new enquiry: „How did you hear about me?“ The share of referrals is the best indicator of your network's health.
Conclusion
A network is an asset that pays off for years – and the easiest place to build it is where you already work. Come for a day at makerSP_CE, meet the community and see how many opportunities are sitting at the neighbouring desks.
🚀 Ready for a change? Book your spot at the makerSP_CE coworking space in Ljubljana today. makerspace.si | booking@makerspace.si | +386 30 393 405
