What’s the best time of day to network?
Lunchtime, according to new research from contact management solutions provider Tapt.
The research shed light on which types of businesses have benefitted the most from networking, as well as when and where they like to network.
Small businesses get the most out of networking
Data gathered from over 400,000 contact exchange events held in 2024 revealed that while large businesses (200+ employees) dominate the networking game in terms of volume with 34.7 per cent of all contact exchanges, when looking at connections per user, large businesses only average 28.9 exchanges per profile, the lowest of all business sizes.
On the other hand, small businesses (5–19 employees) lead the pack with 32.5 connections per profile, followed closely by self-employed professionals (32.4) and micro businesses (30.4). Although their overall share of exchanges is lower, these numbers suggest that smaller teams may be more agile and proactive in building meaningful connections as small businesses are keen on networking to drive their growth.
The best time to make connections
Tapt’s data also found that lunchtime is considered a “prime time” for networking, with 29.5 per cent of contact exchanges happening between 11 am and 2 pm.
Afternoon (2 pm – 5 pm) accounts for 23.6 per cent of networking activity, with late morning (8 am – 11 am) rounding out the top three at 19.9 per cent.
Early evening (5 pm – 8 pm) also sees a solid 13.6 per cent of connections made, which is attributed to post-work drinks and networking events.
Days of the week matter
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday account for 61.8 per cent of networking activity, with Wednesday leading at 21.9 per cent, closely followed by Thursday at 21.7 per cent, suggesting that midweek events and meetings drive higher engagement.
Weekends still account for 11.2 per cent of total connections, showing that unique opportunities exist for professionals in industries operating outside the standard Monday-to-Friday workweek or for those attending weekend events.
People network more in the middle of the year
Meanwhile, May emerged as the busiest month for networking, accounting for 12.1 per cent of all contact exchanges, which the research has noted may be linked to businesses ramping up mid-year projects and professionals solidifying connections before the winter slowdown and the push to wrap up deals ahead of the end of financial year during 30 June. August is also a favourable month for networking (at 9.7 per cent) which is attributed to a renewed push for engagement following the mid-year break.
Unsurprisingly, networking activity dipped at the start and end of the year, with November (6.6 per cent), January (4.9 per cent), and December (3.5 per cent) recording the lowest levels of contact exchanges, owing to the holiday season and summer break.
Elon Datt, Founder and CEO at Tapt commented, “Networking is essential to business success, it drives growth, opens doors to new opportunities, and helps professionals build lasting relationships. With networking gaining momentum once again since the pandemic, now is the perfect time to learn the key tips and tricks that can help you network smarter, not harder.”
