This story appears in the July 2025 issue of Utah Business. Subscribe.
How many networking events did you attend last year? Or last month? Or even last week? Emily Rushton takes meetings at coffee shops and restaurants at least 3-5 times a week and attends countless evening events, parties, presentations and community gatherings. “You should see my expenses,” she tells me. “I love it, though. It’s all in the name of connection.” While food easily breaks down barriers, Emily has perfected cutting to the chase when it comes to mingling on the go: accept the awkwardness. “A lot of people don’t like networking. It’s uncomfortable,” she says. “If I go into the room with that premise, I’m more confident. It’s not about what you say; it’s about the proactiveness.” Her basic guidelines are 1) don’t be a jerk, 2) don’t interrupt people, and 3) don’t make it about yourself.
Conversation starters
“Two truths and a lie is an excellent conversation starter with a newer, larger group of people. There are always those interesting facts that are impossible to forget.”
Selfies
“I have taken this shameless approach of just saying, ‘Let’s take a picture together!’ [Asking for a photo] is the biggest compliment.”
‘Hi’ (Hire Integrated) branded gift bags
“Gifting is high on my [list of love] languages, so I never like to go anywhere empty-handed and love leaving something physical behind with those I spend part of my day with. [It makes] networking so much more meaningful, and you have an opportunity to develop a relationship with that person.”
Colgate Max Fresh Wisp Disposable Mini Travel Toothbrushes
“You are a good person if you’re willing to tell someone they have something in their teeth. I always try to keep these around, especially before meetings.”
Olukai Women’s Ohana flip-flops
“Once I leave the house in the morning, I’m usually out all day in back-to-back events and in-person meetings, so these are critical for getting through the day. There have been many times when I forgot my flip-flops, and I’ve had to go buy flip-flops because I just cannot walk in heels that long.”
Sweet tea + other drinks to chat over
“I love me some Southern Breeze sweet tea, but I’ll reach for a good matcha green tea as well, or my everyday drink — Mixhers.”
The Conqueror
“My husband signed up, so I joined. We are doing the Lord of the Rings quest. We have other friends in our group and can see where they’re at on the map. It’s a great way to connect and bond with someone outside of business.”
American Heart Association
“My [American Heart Association] red dress pin is starting to make it on my blazer more often these days as I proactively look to raise funds and awareness for a cause near and dear to my family.”
The Other Place
“There is nothing pretentious about this place — just amazing Greek food that gives community vibes with warm smiles and familiar faces. Get the souvlaki plate!”
ClassDojo
“My son just started kindergarten. As a working mom, I love this app because they’ll post pictures with the kids throughout the day. If he’s being exceptional that day, I’ll get notifications. They have direct, immediate access to me and vice versa.”
