Most event planners fill their calendars with industry networking, but is that really the best way to grow your business?   May Yeo Silvers makes a case for being more strategic about where you invest your time, money, and energy, especially when it comes to networking. She shares why she doesn’t prioritize events filled with fellow planners and instead focuses on rooms where potential clients gather. For those trying to scale beyond six figures, May explains why high-level business conversations, financial strategy, and operational efficiency matter more than rehashing industry basics.   Are you networking in the right places, or just following the crowd? This episode will help you rethink your approach and make every connection count.   Quotes • “When you are trying to grow your business, you have to decide what is the fastest path to take to get your brand out there. Based on where you are in your business and also in your life, you need to be so selective about how to spend your marketing dollars and also your time, especially if your business is a side hustle.” (00:53  | May Yeo Silvers) • “If I attend a networking event where I know other event planners will be, and I already have an idea of who will be there, I need to consider their level. If they are at the same stage as me or at a stage I’ve already surpassed in my business, then I won’t gain much from attending.” (08:29 | May Yeo Silvers)  • “When you spend time and money to travel to these events, what is the return on investment that you will get? Because when you attend these types of events, would that be a direct approach or direct contact with your potential clients? Most probably not because they are all industry people.” (17:22  | May Yeo Silvers)  • “Before attending a networking event, establish your objective and determine the return on investment based on that goal.” (19:23 | May Yeo Silvers)   Links You don't have to attend networking events to get a good deal! If you are looking for a cost effective software to process a professional looking proposal, contract, invoice and to collect payments, I have something for you.   If you want robust software with all the bells and whistles, use my Honeybook affiliate link that gets you 30% off the first year of subscription, get a free trial and  enjoy the discount when you are ready to sign up!   If you are just starting out and want something that is simple and easy to use but at the same time, you want to look professional, have the capability to process invoices and collect payments, check out Rock Paper Coin! Use my affiliate link to get a 60% discount on your first year subscription!   Connect with May at: may@events4anyone.com  Website: www.mayyeosilvers.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mayyeosilvers/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/mayyeosilvers IG: www.instagram.com/mayyeosilvers TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayyeosilversofficial FB private group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/events4anyone     Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm