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In today’s fast-paced business world, networking events and expos are everywhere. There’s a constant buzz, on LinkedIn, in emails, and through word of mouth, about the next ‘must-attend’ event. But as opportunities multiply, so does the pressure
You may start feeling that if you don’t show up, you’ll miss out on something crucial. That fear of missing out—FOMO—is very real in the business community. But is it really helping your growth, or is it just leading to burnout?
Before committing to any event, it’s important to pause and ask yourself some honest questions:
- Am I going to build my network?
- Will I learn something new?
- Is this an opportunity to meet new people in my industry?
- Can I reconnect with potential or existing customers?
If the answer is a solid “yes” to most of these, then it’s likely worth your time. But if your reasons sound more like: “Everyone else is going” or “I don’t want to miss out and it’ll look great on my socials,” then it might be time to reconsider. These motivations, while understandable, aren’t strategic. And attending an event just to stay visible could be costing you more than you realize—time, energy, and focus.
Recently, I’ve had to become strict with myself. With so many events taking place weekly, it could be easy to go to two or three a day. But that raises questions: What am I achieving? Can I realistically follow up with everyone I meet? Are these truly meaningful connections, or am I just collecting business cards and LinkedIn requests?
It’s okay to say “no” sometimes. In fact, it’s essential.
One powerful tip that’s helped me is setting a weekly cap on events. Stick to that limit, and make sure each event has a clear purpose. Treat it like a KPI. You wouldn’t invest in a marketing campaign without tracking ROI, so why treat events any differently?
Set post-event goals too—how many follow-ups or meetings will you aim to schedule? Did the event lead to a real enquiry or opportunity? If not, was it worth the investment?
Networking and expos can be incredibly valuable—but only when approached with clarity and intention. Rather than hopping on the hamster wheel and chasing every invite, focus on quality over quantity. You’ll not only avoid burnout, but you’ll start seeing real returns from your time and effort.
So before clicking “Register,” take a breath. Ask yourself the right questions. Don’t let FOMO dictate your diary.
