How to Network

Where to Go for Networking 

Networking opportunities are everywhere and they come in all shapes and sizes. Organised meetups like UW Partner events are invaluable – but so are community groups, social gatherings, and daily moments where people are relaxed and open for a chat. Each brings different opportunities and together they’re the foundation of everything.

Here are some of our favourite starting points for where to go to network:

Formal networking

Our Partner events are where you grow – your business, your knowledge, and yourself. Events like Power Up and Amplify bring Partners together to learn from the best, hear what's coming next, and connect with people who are on the same journey as you. And some of the most valuable networking happens minus an agenda, at our social events like Midsummer Gettogether. Swap real stories, pick up insights and have deeper conversations with other Partners.

Informal networking

The best networking opportunities don't always announce themselves. A conversation at a community event, a chat at the school gate, a catch-up at a local social – and you could be talking to your next customer, Connector, or Partner. This is what makes being a Utility Warehouse Partner so special. It’s all about real connections with friends, neighbours and family and offering them real help.

"I attend regular events and social gatherings. Good chats about growth often occur there."
– Liam Holmes, UW Partner Creator

How to Network Effectively

Good networking isn't about working a room, it's about working a conversation. The soft skills make all the difference here.

Back yourself

Confidence comes from believing in what you're talking about. It’s an energy people can instantly feel and it pulls them into what you have to say.

“Just be yourself, speak to people and believe in what we have with Utility Warehouse. Confidence shows through."
– Georgia Hare, UW Partner Creator

Ask good questions

Before you offer any solutions, show genuine curiosity about what someone does, what they care about, and what their pain points are so you can frame your conversation around that.

Listen – properly

Not just waiting for your turn to speak, but actually taking in what someone is saying and putting yourself in their shoes is the key to building a connection.

10 Tips for Networking Events

Here are ten tips for networking events to make sure you show up ready.

1. Put yourself out there

Push past your comfort zone, resist the urge to stick only with familiar faces, and anyone could be your next lead or you might learn something new.

2. Start with an icebreaker

A simple question is all it takes. Like, ask what they do or what they're working on. Easy, natural, no pressure.

3. Watch your body language

Open posture, eye contact, a genuine smile – these are powerful things that open doors for you silently. 

4. Quality over quantity

A handful of meaningful conversations will always beat many forgettable ones. Focus on depth, not just reach. 

5. Build genuine relationships

People remember how you made them feel, not what you said. Lead with genuinely helping people – whether that's navigating the energy market or cutting down their bills.

6. Have your elevator pitch ready

An elevator pitch is a 30-second whistle-stop tour of who you are and what you have to offer.

Have a simple explanation in your head about what you do as a Partner. Not a rehearsed script, just a natural, clear answer. 

7. Take notes

After a good conversation, jot down things about the person, their mindset, and their household. It makes follow-ups feel personal rather than generic.

8. Be the bridge

If you know two people who should meet, introduce them. It's one of the most generous – and memorable – things you can do at any event.

9. Know when to move on

Politely wrapping up a conversation is a skill in itself. A warm close keeps things friendly and frees you both up to meet someone new.

10. Follow up

A good conversation is the start. A quick message afterwards – referencing something you actually talked about – is what turns a good chat into something that lasts.

How to Network Online

In a world where so much happens on a screen, the temptation is to take shortcuts. But the best online networking feels just as warm, genuine and human as any face-to-face conversation — it just takes a bit more intention to get there.

Don't be a bot, be you

It's easy to reach a lot of people fast online, but volume without personality is just noise. Every message, comment or connection request says something about you. Make sure it feels like you.

"People can see through it. Make it personal and use voice notes as much as you can."
– Georgia Hare, UW Partner Creator

Build connections, not a contact list

Online conversations move fast, but relationships don't. Slow down, show genuine interest, and resist the urge to cut straight to the point. Think about the context, channel and who you’re talking to and meet them where they are.

"Ask the right questions, build rapport and follow up." Daljit Panesar, UW Partner Creator

For a deeper dive into how online networking fits into the bigger picture, take a look at our guide on what is network marketing.

How to Follow Up

A good conversation is only as good as the follow up. As a UW Partner, that means not letting a warm moment go cold – whether it's a potential customer, a Connector, or someone who could be your next Partner. The window is short, and how you use it makes all the difference.

Don't leave it too long

A timely, personal message that references something you actually talked about shows you were genuinely listening. Keep it low-pressure, and let the conversation guide what comes next – the goal isn't to close something on the spot, it's to keep the door open.

"I say that I'd love to hear more about what they do and I arrange to have a coffee or a chat on the phone or Zoom."
– Tracey Auckland, UW Partner Creator

For more on turning those conversations into something more, take a look at our guide on how to generate leads.

Networking Mistakes to Avoid

Good networking is as much about what you don't do as what you do. Here are a few things to avoid when you’re networking:

Oversharing

Be passionate but not overwhelming. Pace yourself, be relevant, let the penny drop. A conversation that breathes is far more likely to go somewhere than one that doesn't come up for air.

"Avoid sharing too much information and getting overexcited!!"
- Tracey Auckland, UW Partner Creator

Talking too much about yourself

Networking isn't a monologue. If you've been speaking for a while and haven't asked a single question, that's your cue to stop and listen.

Being salesy

Nothing closes a conversation down faster. People can feel when they're being pitched at – and it puts them on guard immediately. Lead with genuine interest and let things flow naturally.

How our Partners are working their network

Here are some of our favourite networking tips to keep in mind from our experienced Partners:

“I always remind people that are open to change that a change can be made.”
– Liam Holmes, UW Partner Creator

“Struck up a conversation with a lady on Facebook about school holidays. She's now a Partner and took her kids on holiday for the first time thanks to Utility Warehouse.”
– Georgia Hare, UW Partner Creator

“Keeping in touch, having 1:1's, attending Socials, and being genuinely interested in them!”
– Tracey Auckland, UW Partner Creator

Start Building Your Network Today

Networking is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. The tips in this guide will only take you so far. The rest comes from showing up, having the conversations, and learning what works for you.

Whether you're just getting started or ready to take things further, becoming a Utility Warehouse Partner is all about being part of the community and the power of its genuine connections.

If you’re thinking about being a Partner or want a reminder of what’s great about it, our guides on top side hustle ideas and how to make extra income while working full-time are here for you.