Networking Meeting Etiquette: Don't Take Up The 5 Minutes

"We're going to go around the table, and each person will have five minutes to talk about what you do, a client success story, and who good referrals are for you. I'll be the timer, and your time is up when you hear the alarm."

These are common instructions at networking events.

Look, I appreciate being handed the floor for one-twelfth of an hour to talk about my business, but people and even I tune out, because it's too long. And without fail, at least three people go over the five minutes while the timer tolerates it, worried that cutting them off will appear rude.

At networking meetings, you’ve got limited time to make an impression, and everyone’s hoping to walk away with meaningful connections. For that reason, I keep mine short and sweet, not exceeding a minute-and-a-half. People look at me pleasantly surprised, and I've left them wanting more. We follow up with a one-on-one coffee, lunch, or what have you, and that's when it's appropriate to talk for five minutes or longer.

Now, keep reading so that this takes up less than five minutes of your time.

The 5-Minute Pitfall

5 minutes is a long time.

Research shows that the average adult has an attention span of four seconds. Okay, that's not true, but few people are hanging on someone's every word by the fourth minute of their business overview when they get to the part about how re-re-re-amortizing helped Janice see through her home loan.

We're happy for you, Janice.

Even if you’re a charismatic speaker, you’re competing with distractions like phones, side conversations, and wandering minds.

When you exceed your time, you risk losing your audience entirely and possibly annoying them in the process.

Why 90 Seconds is the Sweet Spot

The key to a successful pitch is brevity.

Ninety seconds is all you need to communicate your value and spark interest. Think about it: a minute and a half forces you to focus on what’s truly important. You get straight to the point without boring people or making them wonder when their turn will come. It’s respectful, efficient, and—most importantly—effective.

Here’s how you can make those 90 seconds count:

Start with a Hook: Open with something that grabs attention. A question, a surprising fact, or a quick story works wonders.
State Your Value: Clearly explain what you do and why it matters. Focus on the problem you solve or the benefit you provide.
Call to Action: End with a way to continue the conversation, like an invitation to connect later or attend a follow-up meeting.

There's even time to give a quick client example and make your referral ask.

Why Less is More

Shorter pitches save time, and they make you memorable.

Networking is like a movie trailer. You’re not telling the whole story; you’re giving just enough to make people want more. By keeping it concise, you leave room for curiosity and follow-up discussions.

A drawn-out explanation, on the other hand, can feel like watching the extended director’s cut of Legends of the Fall.

A Note to Facilitators

If you’re running a networking meeting, consider capping pitches at 90 seconds.

You’ll keep the energy high, allowing for everyone to have a turn, and avoid the dreaded “pitch fatigue” that sets in when people go overboard.

Pro Tip: Do not allow questions unless the speaker is finished and there is enough time. Also tell people that they don't have to say, "I have a question." Just ask the question.

Respect people’s time, deliver your message with clarity and confidence, and leave them intrigued enough to want to learn more. The next time you’re tempted to go beyond 90 seconds, remember: don’t.

About the Author, David Telisman

I am a Writer and Content Creator, and I work with businesses to inspire their customers to buy from them. I believe that my clients deserve to feel proud of how their content marketing looks and what it says, and I deliver by providing expert copywriting and marketing solutions.

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