In the world of networking, there’s a persistent belief that bigger is better. More people, more energy, more handshakes, more opportunities. And while there’s some truth to the idea that a large room can hold powerful potential, there’s another side to the story, one that seasoned networkers and relationship builders know all too well.
Sometimes, less really is more.
At Adrian’s Network, we’ve always taken a slightly different approach. Sure, we love a packed Zoom room or a crowded in-person gathering where the buzz is electric. But we’ve also seen the magic that happens when just four or five people are in the room or on the Zoom. When there’s time to go deeper, when everyone gets heard, and when the conversations go beyond surface-level elevator pitches.
1. Connection, Not Collection
One of the biggest myths in networking is that the goal is to collect as many business cards or LinkedIn connections as possible. If you’ve ever left a huge event with a pocket full of names and no recollection of the faces attached to them, you know how futile this can be.
Smaller meetings force you to slow down and actually connect. You’re not rushing to get your two-minute intro in before someone else starts speaking. You’re not scanning the room for your next target. You’re fully present with the handful of people in front of you. And when you’re present, you listen. When you listen, you learn. And when you learn, you create the kind of connection that leads to trust which is the real currency of networking.
2. Quality Over Quantity
Large networking events often feel like speed dating. You meet a lot of people, exchange pleasantries, and try to make a quick impression. But how often do those rapid-fire encounters evolve into actual business opportunities?
Now compare that to a focused meeting with five people, each of whom has the space to share what they do, what they need, and how others can help. There’s time to ask questions, offer ideas, and truly understand someone’s business, not just their title. That depth creates more meaningful follow-ups, stronger collaborations, and ultimately, more business.
One rich conversation can be more valuable than twenty shallow ones.
3. Follow-Up Becomes Natural
Another overlooked benefit of small-group networking? The follow-up is a breeze.
When you meet 50 people in an evening, how do you decide who to follow up with? How do you remember the one person who mentioned something relevant to your work? It’s overwhelming. It often leads to no follow-up at all, which means the networking effort stops cold.
In contrast, when you connect with just four or five people and spend real time understanding each other’s needs, follow-up becomes obvious. You’re more likely to remember the conversation and send that “great to meet you” email with intention, not obligation. You’re also more likely to receive a thoughtful response in return.
4. More Comfortable for Introverts
Large networking events can be exhausting, especially for introverts. The noise, the pressure to “work the room,” the mental gymnastics of trying to remember names while staying engaged, it’s a lot.
Smaller meetings feel more like conversations than performances. They’re calmer, more relaxed, and more conducive to thoughtful dialogue. For those who thrive on deeper one-on-one connections, this kind of environment is where they shine.
And when people are comfortable, they’re themselves. And when they’re themselves, you get to know the real person, not the polished pitch version.
5. Real-Time Problem Solving
Here’s something we see happen all the time at smaller Adrian’s Network meetings: someone shares a need, and right there in that moment, someone else says, “I can help with that.”
It’s not just theory or vague promises. It’s real-time help. Real-time support. Real-time ideas that move someone’s business forward.
These moments are harder to come by in big groups, where there’s less time to dig into problems or where people feel shy about being vulnerable in front of a crowd. But in a small circle, there’s trust. There’s room to ask. And there’s an instinctive urge to step up and assist.
That kind of community isn’t built in a ballroom. It’s built in the living room.
6. It’s About the Right People, Not More People
Not every event needs to be a mega-meeting. In fact, one of the most strategic things you can do as a networker is attend or organize smaller meetings based on relevance rather than volume.
A focused meeting of insurance pros. A roundtable of marketing minds. A brainstorm between small business owners with overlapping audiences. “Six-in-the-city” luncheons. These intentional gatherings make it easier to get aligned, see opportunities, and work together effectively.
You don’t need a hundred people to move your business forward. You need five people who care, get it, and are willing to help.
7. The Magic Is in the Doing
At Adrian’s Network, we believe in active networking. That means rolling up your sleeves and doing something for someone else, not just sitting around and waiting for business to fall into your lap.
Small groups give us more time to do just that. To listen carefully. To share ideas, make intros and to brainstorm, as well as dig in and say, “How can I help you this week?” instead of just “Nice to meet you.”
That’s where the magic happens. In the doing. And you can’t do a whole lot when you’re speed-introducing yourself to dozens of strangers. You can do a whole lot when you have time to care.
8. You’ll Still Get the Volume but Over Time
If you’re worried that smaller meetings won’t bring the same exposure, here’s the truth, they will, just not all at once.
When you build real relationships in a small group, those people talk about you. They refer you. They invite you to other opportunities. Your reach grows organically because you’ve invested in depth over breadth. And that kind of growth lasts longer, sticks harder, and leads to the kind of results that just don’t come from a room full of strangers.
My Final Thoughts
There’s nothing wrong with the occasional big event. They’re fun, they have their place, and sometimes you really do need to shake a hundred hands. But don’t overlook the power of the small gathering, the three-person coffee chat, the five-person Zoom call, the ten-person industry-specific meet-up.
Because while “the more, the merrier” might be a nice party mantra, it’s not always the smartest networking strategy.
At Adrian’s Network, we’re building a culture of true connection. Of showing up, listening hard and helping fast. And we know that sometimes, the best way to do that is in a small room with a few great people who are all in.
Want to try it for yourself?