How to stop chasing business cards and build real trust in networking

This is a simulacrum of communication — it looks real on the outside, but it’s empty inside. An illusion of interaction, replaced by activity. People are given a quest: find a sticker, swap a puzzle piece, assemble the picture, show it — and get a candy. That’s it.

People focus not on each other, but on the mechanics. They’re solving a task: “how do I complete this as fast as possible and get the reward,” not “who do I actually want to talk to, who inspires me, who could I build something with.”

It’s not a disaster — we just need to call things what they are. These activities are a way to energize the space, hand out merch, warm up the audience. But let’s not pretend they create real connections. They’re tools for capturing attention and short-term fun. Useful — but for something else.

Just like team building isn’t about running in sacks, networking isn’t about exchanging business cards on a timer. It’s not a game or a competition. And definitely not running around the venue collecting stickers in hopes of getting a treat.

A simulacrum of networking is convenient, scalable, and looks great in photos: people talking, smiling, moving around — there’s “activity.” But it doesn’t lead to friendships, partnerships, or projects. It’s superficial; it imitates what matters without actually delivering it.

And the sooner we stop fooling ourselves, the sooner we can start creating environments where people genuinely want to stay — to talk, to listen, to exchange ideas, instead of just completing a puzzle.

To make networking truly useful and authentic — not just a simulation of interaction — it’s worth following a few key principles:

Create space for real dialogue: instead of mechanical games, design comfortable areas where people can talk in a relaxed setting. For example, themed tables or small discussion groups.

Focus on value: structure the event so participants exchange ideas, experience, and inspiration — not just contacts. Resource-sharing works especially well. You can set it as a theme: “Best practices in fintech — who do you know among vendors in this area? Share your insights.”

Facilitate the interaction: bring in facilitators who can guide conversations, suggest meaningful questions, or connect people with shared interests.

Give it time: don’t squeeze networking into tight time slots. People need time to warm up, feel comfortable, and find common ground.

Support individuality: let participants present themselves through ideas, not just business cards or stickers. This could be a short pitch about their project or a discussion of a shared challenge.

Help connections stick: provide a way to continue communication after the event — for example, an online group or a follow-up email with contacts of those who agreed to share them.
When you approach networking design thoughtfully, you create a space where people gain not only enjoyment, but also new partners, meaningful connections, and ideas for collaboration.