Networking events where you’re the new person in the group, or larger group events in a city far from home can be awkward, to say the least. Even extroverts sometimes struggle for something to say to begin a conversation with complete strangers. You don’t want to just lead with your elevator pitch to each new acquaintance. That comes after you’ve begun the conversation, and you already know to stay positive, listen more than you speak, and offer to help anyone you can, and you’ll be welcome at any of these gatherings. So, how DO you start? Here’s a quick dozen opening lines to ease your entrance into a group, or get a conversation started easily and naturally. With a little luck, you’ll make connections worth maintaining over a career!
- “Hi, I’m Jane, I’m a VP at Nebulous Manufacturing. Are you local, or travelling on business?” This is a way to introduce yourself and ask an easy question to get the conversation rolling. Everyone has a name and knows where they are based!
- “Hello, I’m Thomas Jones, I heard about this group online from someone who came last month. How did you hear about it?” Comparing who you know and how you heard about the networking event can easily lead to a deeper conversation.
- “Hi, I’m Dave Jackson. I was admiring your watch; it looks like an antique.” Most people dress for success for networking events, it’s usually quite easy to identify an attractive piece of clothing or jewelry and give a simple compliment to break the ice.
- Using the food, drinks, or coffee as a conversation starter is an old standard because it works. Do try to ask a question “Does that look like chicken to you?” or “This coffee is quite good for being brewed in an urn.” Stick to the positive, as you never know who has made the effort to arrange the event and the food.
- From a project at work to an industry-wide issue, ask people what solutions or advice they might be able to offer. Listen closely to the answer, and you’ll find that this icebreaker can lead you to some of the best and brightest in your industry, great contacts to collect!
- Ask people what they think of industry news, the event speaker, an industry leader, and enjoy the discussion that follows. Choose a topic or person that genuinely interests you to guarantee you’ll be fully engaged.
- If you’re a sports fan, use that as an opener, especially in season. This is also an appropriate subject to join a conversation already in progress, as the topic is light and casual.
- “What do you do for fun in your free time?” This is a great way to get to know someone. Once engaged, you can always turn the conversation back to work related topics.
- “What made you decide to attend this event?” is a good opener. If someone is in a job search, suggest openings that may fit. If they’re new to the area, offer to introduce them around. Everyone has a reason for attending.
- “In my free time I’m a Big Brother. Do you do any volunteer work?” This can start interesting conversations getting to know each other, and gives you a chance to discuss how different companies value their associates’ volunteer work.
- The old standards do break the ice. Try to stay away from touchy subjects like religion and politics and keep to big national or international events. They’re safer and less likely to offend anyone.
- Go up to someone on the outskirts who may be a little uncomfortable and introduce yourself as being a little intimidated by the larger groups. Chances are, they are too, and it’s a kind thing to do as well as a smart one.
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