Be Present

The Secret to Heart-Led Networking

Running a business is rewarding but can also feel overwhelming. Between the endless emails, deadlines, client work, and family commitments, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly running on empty. That’s why finding a networking space where you can breathe, be yourself, and have genuine conversations is so important. When you walk into a room and connect with others who understand the journey — the highs and the struggles — you instantly feel less alone.

In a culture that often values hustle over heart, slowing down and being fully present is the most powerful networking strategy you can embrace. Too often, people walk into a room caught in the “what am I going to say next?” mindset. We rehearse our lines, we worry about sounding impressive, and we focus on getting it “right.” But here’s the truth: the real magic happens when you shift the spotlight away from yourself and onto the person in front of you.

Connection begins with listening.

Think about the woman you’ve just met at an event. She’s not just a business card or a job title. She’s a whole story waiting to be heard. Maybe she’s building her dream from the kitchen table, juggling school runs, or managing a growing team. Maybe she’s exhausted, or maybe she’s standing on the edge of her biggest breakthrough. Either way, she’s shown up, just like you, and she deserves to be truly seen, heard, and celebrated.

Imagine the power of our networks if every conversation started with presence. If instead of planning what to say next, we gave our full attention. If every coffee catch-up or event wasn’t about “what can I gain?” but about “how can I connect?”

Because here’s the thing: when you are fully present, people don’t just remember your words. They remember how you made them feel. They’ll remember your warmth, your energy, and the way you genuinely listened. And from that kind of connection, opportunities naturally grow. People recommend you, refer you, and want to collaborate with you — not because you pitched perfectly, but because you cared deeply.

3 Simple Ways to Be Present When Networking

Listen with Curiosity – Instead of planning your next sentence, lean in and listen fully. Be curious about their journey, not just their role.

Make Natural Eye Contact – Show that you’re engaged and interested. A genuine smile and relaxed eye contact build instant trust.

Pause Before You Reply – Take a breath before jumping in. It shows you’ve really absorbed what was said and creates space for deeper conversation.

So the next time you’re at a networking event, take the pressure off. Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing. Just be present. Focus on the person in front of you. And watch how much more meaningful your connections become.

About Jo

Jo Stevens, affectionately known as the Networking Queen, is driven by a passion for genuine connection — the heartbeat of everything she does. As co-host of Ladies Who Long Lunch and founder of the Common Grounds Women’s Business Network, Jo has created warm, welcoming spaces where women in business can connect, grow, and thrive.

She believes wholeheartedly in the power of community, mindfulness, and a good laugh, and is on a mission to help more women Get Known & Be Seen through authentic, heart-led connection.

PHOTO (right/below)

Jo Stevens is the Coordinator of Common Grounds Women’s Business Network, creating Coffee Meetups that are more than just networking. They’re intentionally designed spaces where women in business can connect, collaborate, and build genuine friendships with like-minded women who truly understand the journey.

Passionate about supporting women both personally and professionally, Jo believes in the power of authentic connection and community, and is dedicated to creating welcoming spaces where women feel seen, supported, and inspired.

Jo’s article: The Secret to Heart-Led Networking was originally printed in Issue 8 of The Lunch Mag.

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