Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Planes, Trains & Automobiles: What Your Networking Style Says About You
Meeting new people at a business networking event is a lot like choosing your mode of transport.
Some people arrive fast and bold like a jet, others prefer the steady rhythm of a train, and some cruise in with the balance and reliability of a car. Each networking style has its own strengths and quirks — and understanding yours can make a huge difference to the way you connect.
At Simply Business Club, we believe there’s no single “correct” approach to networking. What matters most is being authentic, self-aware, and intentional about how you engage.
So let’s explore the different “modes of transport” that show up at networking events — and what they reveal about how you do business.
The Jet Setter (Plane)
The Jet Setter is confident, ambitious, and driven by results. They arrive with a clear goal in mind — often aiming for the high-value conversations that could lead to big opportunities. They move quickly from person to person, focused on impact rather than small talk, and often know exactly who they want to meet before the event even begins.
This approach is fantastic for entrepreneurs who thrive in fast-paced environments. Jet Setters tend to leave strong first impressions because of their energy and clarity. They’re decisive, articulate, and fearless about promoting their ideas. However, their intensity can sometimes come across as transactional, and in their pursuit of the next big opportunity, they may overlook quieter or more subtle connections that could become valuable later.
To balance this style, Jet Setters benefit from slowing down occasionally and allowing conversations to unfold naturally. Asking more questions and showing curiosity helps them build trust rather than just momentum. Following up after the event is also crucial — it ensures those high-energy first impressions become meaningful professional relationships.
The Scenic Express (Train)
The Scenic Express represents a steady and relational networking style. These individuals prefer to take their time, engaging in deeper, more personal conversations. They’re interested in the story behind the business, the journey, and the human side of entrepreneurship. Rather than sprinting from one introduction to another, they move through the event like a train on a journey, enjoying the stops along the way.
This approach naturally builds strong, lasting relationships. Scenic Express networkers are excellent listeners and tend to connect people across industries and interests. Their patience and curiosity make them memorable, and they often find themselves becoming trusted connectors within their community.
However, their slower pace can occasionally mean they miss out on opportunities at faster-moving events. They may spend so long in one conversation that they run out of time to meet others. For Scenic Express networkers, the key is balance — knowing when to stay deep in discussion and when to move on. Preparing a concise introduction or “elevator pitch” ensures they can share their message clearly while still leaving room for genuine connection.
The Classic Cruiser (Car)
The Classic Cruiser is the all-rounder of networking — comfortable, confident, and adaptable. They have a calm, approachable energy and can shift gears easily depending on the situation. One moment they’re chatting casually over coffee, the next they’re steering a focused conversation about collaboration or referrals.
Cruisers are grounded and personable. They tend to make others feel at ease and are skilled at reading the room. Their adaptability means they can talk to anyone, from start-ups to seasoned CEOs, without losing authenticity. This makes them ideal hosts or facilitators at networking events.
However, because Cruisers are comfortable in most situations, they sometimes forget to challenge themselves. Without a clear direction or goal, they might drift through conversations without turning them into action. To maximise their potential, Classic Cruisers should arrive with a plan — perhaps identifying a few people they’d like to meet or outcomes they’d like to achieve. By setting a route before they “drive,” they can enjoy the journey while still reaching meaningful destinations.
The Local Bus (Community Connector)
The Local Bus is the heart of the local business community. These networkers are friendly, familiar faces who make time for everyone. They move around the room easily, chatting to many people and spreading positivity wherever they go. They are the ones who introduce others, share contacts, and remember details about everyone they meet.
Their biggest strength lies in visibility and approachability. Local Buses become trusted names because they consistently show up, offer help, and keep in touch. They’re also fantastic at spotting opportunities for collaboration within their local area — the kind of connections that form the backbone of thriving small business networks.
But with their generous and sociable nature, Local Buses can sometimes spread themselves too thin. Because they’re so willing to help, they risk overcommitting or failing to follow up on every conversation. To balance their style, it helps to prioritise connections that align with their goals and to schedule deeper one-to-one chats after the event. Keeping track of who they’ve spoken to and what was discussed helps ensure that their energy leads to tangible outcomes.
The Light Rail (Focused Specialist)
The Light Rail networker travels a specific route with precision. They know their industry well and tend to stick to conversations that align with their expertise. They’re often recognised as subject matter specialists — the go-to people for a particular service or niche.
This focus gives them authority and efficiency. They don’t waste time on irrelevant topics or forced conversations, and they can articulate their value with clarity. People remember them as experts who know exactly what they do and who they serve.
However, the downside of this approach is that it can create a networking echo chamber. Staying too tightly within one’s niche limits exposure to new ideas and opportunities. Light Rail networkers benefit from occasionally venturing off their usual track — talking to people in unrelated sectors or exploring collaborations that broaden their perspective. A useful exercise is to create a “bridge pitch” that links their speciality to wider business needs, helping others understand how their expertise fits into a broader ecosystem.
The Hybrid (Plane + Train + Car)
The Hybrid networker is flexible and situational — able to adapt their style to fit the event, the people, or even their mood that day. They might start with the bold, confident energy of a Jet Setter, then settle into the relational warmth of a Scenic Express, before finishing the evening with the calm balance of a Classic Cruiser.
This versatility is a major strength. Hybrids can connect across a wide range of personalities and environments, from structured business breakfasts to relaxed evening socials. They often serve as bridges between different networking types, helping events feel more cohesive and dynamic.
However, flexibility requires self-awareness. Switching styles too often can make a Hybrid seem inconsistent or scattered. To make the most of this adaptability, it’s helpful to set an intention before each event — for example, deciding to focus on listening more deeply or meeting three new contacts. Afterwards, reflecting on which mode worked best helps refine future approaches.
Understanding and Evolving Your Networking Style
Every professional has a natural networking mode, but awareness is key to improving it. After your next networking event, take a moment to reflect. Did you move quickly and cover a lot of ground like a Jet Setter, or did you stay steady and focused like a Scenic Express? Were you the comfortable Cruiser who blended in smoothly, or the Local Bus connecting everyone in sight?
Once you recognise your default mode, you can start matching it to the occasion. A high-energy event might call for your Jet Setter side, while a smaller, community-focused meeting may benefit from your Train or Bus approach. There’s also value in blending modes — starting strong, then slowing down to build deeper rapport.
Just like vehicles benefit from tune-ups, so too can your networking strategy. Prepare conversation openers, success stories, and follow-up plans to enhance your performance, whatever your “mode of transport” may be.
Why This Analogy Matters
The “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” metaphor reminds us that networking isn’t one-size-fits-all. Every style has its place, and the key to effective networking lies in self-awareness and adaptability. Some connections require speed and precision, while others demand patience and consistency.
At Simply Business Club, we encourage members to bring their own authentic approach — whether you’re a high-flyer, a steady traveller, or a hybrid of both. What unites all our members is the shared goal of genuine connection and mutual support.
The next time you walk into a business networking event, picture your preferred mode of transport. Are you soaring through conversations, travelling steadily along the tracks, or cruising at your own pace? Whatever your style, awareness is power.
If you’d like to discover your networking style — or learn how to shift gears in a welcoming environment — Simply Business Club is the perfect place to start. Join one of our meetings and experience business networking that’s friendly, genuine, and designed to help you grow both personally and professionally.
Because at Simply Business Club, it’s not just about how fast you travel — it’s about the quality of the journey.
Simply Business Club invite you to attend one of our upcoming Face-to-Face or Online Business Networking meetings for yourself.
At SBC, every networking event is built around one clear goal: helping business owners form connections that truly count. Whether you want to raise your profile, showcase your expertise, or build long-term partnerships, our meetings give you the time and space to connect with intent — to collaborate, share ideas, and grow alongside like-minded entrepreneurs.
What sets us apart from other business networking groups in the UK is our atmosphere. We’ve created a community that’s open, friendly, and genuinely supportive — a space where conversations flow naturally, ideas spark freely, and authentic relationships are built on trust.
Our members come from all walks of business life — from ambitious start-ups and independent freelancers to growing SMEs — yet they share the same belief: that success feels greater when it’s shared. Together, they’ve built a network that thrives on collaboration, encouragement, and collective achievement.
Joining Simply Business Club isn’t just about growing your contact list. It’s about unlocking new opportunities, discovering fresh perspectives, and becoming part of a thriving entrepreneur community where businesses — and people — grow stronger together.
Contact us at SBC and book in to attend one of our up and coming business networking meetings online or face-to-face today