Sweaty palms, check. Nervous flutters, check. Dry mouth, check.
If you’re feeling this way, I’m going to venture to guess you’re attending a business networking event where you don’t know a single person in the room and are now standing in the corner like a wilted flower hoping…praying…someone will take pity on you and strike up a conversation.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Entering a networking event with a little strategy can go a long way, and you don’t have to turn into one of those people that shove their business card in your face and immediately pitch their business (ick).
Here are a few fun icebreakers to help ease your nerves at your next networking event:
What brought you here today?
This is a great question to ask to break the ice AND learn a little about their own goals at the event. This also gives the person an opportunity to do a little business bragging of their own while you listen intently.
Go au naturale
Stumped for something to say? You’re likely not the only one. Walk up and introduce yourself, then tell people it’s your first time there and you don’t know anyone. People connect with authenticity.
Who do you want to meet?
At a conference I attended recently, several people came up to me that recognized me from my website. One gal in particular shouted “I’m so excited to meet you, I have been a fan of yours for years and I can’t believe I get to meet you in person.” I was so flattered!
I could tell she was nervous when she approached me, possibly wondering how I would react to her enthusiasm, but I was incredibly happy to meet a fan and even happier to get to know her.
Look at the attendee list of the event. If there’s someone you genuinely want to meet, make an effort to do so. They’ll be happy you did!
Share relevant news
If you’re attending an industry-specific event, make sure to read up on the latest news. Statistics, new industry models, or breaking stories make interesting conversation starters.
Post-event pow wow
Always make sure to get a card from the people you meet. Don’t wait for people to follow up with you, take intiative and follow up with them!
TAKE ACTION: What events do you have coming up and which strategy will you use? Post a comment below and let us know!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Gosh, can I identify with those networking jitters! Thank you for this awesome list, Melissa, this is helpful. I'm looking at an upcoming luncheon with BNI and will be trying the "check the attendee list" trip. I never thought of that. Usually I just show up!
If it helps anyone reading this, 2 things I've found to help me a lot with networking: 1) Prep your elevator speech beforehand – but it really must be short or you risk losing the other person. The event isn't about me anyway, so I don't want to dominate the conversation. 2) Think of networking as a social event with the intent of forming new relationships. Business is all about relationships! That's really what networking is, so don't worry about being the most successful professional there or gathering the most business cards. Just smile and be you. I really identify with Melissa's tip about going "au naturale"
I think we forget about that sometimes and take ourselves too seriously in business!
Thanks again, Melissa, for this list. I'll be referring to it a lot in the coming weeks.
Kind regards,
Carolynn Ananian
Perfect timing! I'm going to be attending Spark and Hustle this month and really want to meet some local women entrepreneurs. I'm also dying to meet Tory Johnson! Thankfully I've grown out of the shy, awkward person I was in high school and have realized my only regrets come from not taking a chance.
To take more pressure off–plan to meet no more than three people at a one hour networking event. To learn about them, ask questions and be sure to listen to their answers and you'll be able keep the conversation going.
When you are ready to leave shake their hands, smile and ask for their contact card.
All very good points/suggestions. This was a great article and a good reminder that I'm not alone in my quest for personal improvement.
Plan to go to the networking event, meet some nice people, learn what the other attendees do, try to help someone else, have fun, enjoy some good food and you'll probably make lots of friends. Whether or not you have near term follow-on business from the event probably depends more upon whether or not other attendees have an immediate need for your service than upon anything you may say or do… Ron
Good points for the nervous and ill-adept. As an introvert I can readily agree. There is always some trepidation meeting with strangers.
I find approaching someone alone is a great start up by just asking: "We're not supposed to be alone here are we?"
Then just be yourself, talk about recent articles or books you've read, interests (my passion is LinkedIn), events and always focus on the other person and make sure you listen to what they are saying.
Networking is about meeting people and seeing if there is a reason to carry on the conversation later. Think about it as if you were single and looking…. not about selling and promoting your interests.
Such great advice! Was just at an event last night for Blogworld & it was admittedly nerve-wracking, especially since I showed up alone, but I was so proud of myself for striking up conversation! I didn't even chat with that many people & made 3 contacts that have already turned into interviews/partnerships/clients today!
with grace & gumption, Hilary