Ep 175: Introvert Networking, Made Practical | Guest Expert: Conor Cunneen
Hate walking into a crowded room and freezing? Here’s the simple pre-game plan that makes conversations easier before you even arrive.
In-person networking doesn’t have to feel like a performance (or a personality test). Sarah Noel Block sits down with Conor Cunneen (IrishmanSpeaks)—an Irishman “happily exiled” in Chicago—to share a practical, low-pressure playbook for turning networking events into calm, intentional business development. From a mindset shift (it’s not “networking,” it’s a biz dev call) to simple conversation starters, Conor’s approach helps introverts show up confidently, connect naturally, and leave the room remembered for the right reasons.
Takeaways
Reframe the event: don’t go to a “networking event”—go to a business development call (it changes how you show up).
If you can, research attendees ahead of time and warm up on LinkedIn so the first conversation isn’t cold.
Arrive early: fewer people = easier starts, and each conversation becomes a warm-up for the next.
Be interested, not interesting—curiosity creates connection faster than any pitch.
Use easy openers like “What brings you here?” instead of “What do you do?”
Skip the 30-second speech: share a simple one-liner that invites a follow-up question.
Aim to be remembered as helpful: bring a relevant idea, article, connection, or suggestion.
Go in with a “give” and a “get” (what you can offer + what you’ll ask for if they offer to help).
Create a reason to reconnect: a resource, intro, or next step that makes follow-up natural.
Use the person’s name once or twice—simple, memorable rapport-builder.
Resources Mentioned
IrishmanSpeaks
Conor Cunneen’s speaking and consulting brand focused on improving people, performance, and productivity with a smile.
🔗 https://irishmanspeaks.com/LinkedIn
Used as a pre-event networking tool to warm up conversations, research attendees, and follow up after events.
🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/irishmanspeaks/The Improvement Academy
Home of Conor’s lead magnet and additional learning resources.
🔗 https://www.theimprovementacademy.com/Humorous Quotes for a Speech (Lead Magnet)
A free resource shared by Conor for speakers and presenters.
🔗 https://www.theimprovementacademy.com/Humorous-quotes-for-a-speech
Meet Conor Cunneen
Conor Cunneen is an Irishman happily exiled in Chicago and the founder of IrishmanSpeaks. He works with organizations, associations, and leaders to improve people, performance, and productivity — with a smile.
Known for blending practical insight with humor, Conor helps audiences communicate more effectively, connect more authentically, and show up with confidence (especially in situations like networking that many people dread). In addition to his work with organizations, he’s deeply passionate about supporting job seekers and regularly shares free, practical resources through his talks and videos.
You can find Conor speaking, teaching, and sharing insights online under IrishmanSpeaks across LinkedIn, YouTube, and other platforms.
What next?
Take the next step with a Booked Out Blueprint session. It’s a practical, low‑pressure call to clarify your best offers, your most effective lead sources, and what will actually move the needle for your business this year. You can book through the link in the show notes — or email hello@sarahnoelblock.com to see if it’s a good fit for you.
