Networking Strategy: Turn Events Into Clients w/ Michelle Thames

In this educational Business Over Cocktails episode, marketing strategist and community builder Michelle Thames breaks down a repeatable approach to community building and networking that helps entrepreneurs grow a magnetic personal brand and increase visibility online and in the room.You’ll learn how to choose the right networking events, connect with decision-makers, and make yourself memorable so relationships actually turn into opportunities. Michelle also shares what to do after the event—how to follow up, book coffee chats, connect on Instagram, and stay consistent with content so new connections become clients, collaborators, and community members. If you’ve been relying on social media alone, this episode gives you a practical networking strategy you can plug into your business immediately.Episode Highlights:A practical networking strategy to build community and grow a magnetic personal brandWhat to do before, during, and after events (follow-up + coffee chats that convert)How to leverage Instagram + consistent content to stay top of mind after meeting peopleChapters:00:01 — Why community building + networking are the foundation02:31 — Post-event strategy: coffee chats, tracking, and follow-up03:15 — Instagram as the networking connector + staying top of mind05:00 — Event content strategy + using ChatGPT for stories/reels06:05 — Finding the right events (Eventbrite/Meetup) + action planConnect with Michelle Thames:Website - http://www.michellethames.com/Upcoming Events:Chicago Retreat - July 14-16, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/iid9wbr2ycNapa Retreat - October 5-8, 2026 - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/cetj223rsrGrowth & Connect Events - https://laurennajar.myflodesk.com/hb2a0mwbqwLet’s Stay Connected: → Follow Lauren on Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurennajar → Learn more or work with me: www.laurennajar.com → Follow Business Over Cocktails on IG: www.instagram.com/businessovercocktails → Attend Growth & Connect retreats & events: www.instagram.com/growthandconnect🎧 Subscribe & Review: Love the episode? Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who needs a business boost and a good chat over a cocktail.