30 Brilliant Networking Conversation Starters

When it comes to conversation, you're a natural. You can chat up a storm with just about anyone, you're a pro at listening, and you love meeting and connecting with new people.

But when it comes to starting that conversation? That's a different story.

This is one of the most common concerns we hear about networking: How do you just walk up to someone you don't know at an event—and start talking?

Well, it is a tad easier than it sounds. Fact is, no one's going to turn you away if you walk up, smile, and say, "I'm so-and-so. Nice to meet you." In fact, others will probably be relieved that someone else started the conversation!

But, the process is definitely a lot easier when you have a few go-to icebreakers in your back pocket. So we've put together a handy list to refer to before your next event—some of our own lines, a few favorites from our career expert friends, and icebreakers our Twitter and Facebook followers have used, too!

The Classics

When in doubt, just try the basics: asking what someone does, inquiring why he or she is at the event, or even just reaching out your hand and saying hi.

1. "Hi, I don't know too many people here, so I wanted to introduce myself. I'm [name] and I work at [company]." And bam—you got it. @cbmcmillan 

2. “So, what do you do?" It gets them talking first and you can think about how to approach the conversation or how you could possibly work together. @GrowSouthwest 

3. “So, what brought you here today?” @twofacedhrlady

4. "How's your day going?" This is my go-to in any situation, and it never fails. It's simple, classic, and always effective if you throw in a smile. @missmcheng 

5. "What's your story?" It always sparks a fascinating and non-generic conversation. @leslieforman

Location, Location, Location

No matter what, you've got at least a couple things in common with every person in the room: the event you're attending, the place it's being held at, and the food and drink you're consuming. Use that to your advantage by striking up conversation about what's going on around you.

6. If I'm at an event with food, I'll often use that as a conversation starter, à la "I can't stop eating these meatballs. Have you tried them?" @erinaceously

7. "How did you hear about this event?" @myuliyam

8. “It's so hot (or cold) in here.” Hey, maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, but the person will either agree or disagree, and pretty soon you’re talking about weather patterns, your best umbrella, and then your career goals. Jessica Gordon for The Daily Muse

9. "I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed by the deluge of info that’s being firehosed at us today. Is there one nugget of brilliance that’s really resonating with you?" Alexandra Franzen

10. "What a beautiful venue. Have you been here before?"

The Newsworthy

Another thing you have in common with, well, everyone? What happened in your city or the world today. While you don't want to start up any hot political debates, some light-hearted headline sharing is a great way to break the ice.

11. “What do you think about [insert topic germane to the event or person here]?" I'm biased: News is great engagement tool. @thatsportsgirl

12. "Any chance you read the news today? I missed it, and I'm dying to know what's happening with [insert news topic here]."

Want to read the rest? Check them out the full list of networking conversation starters on The Muse, and let me know if you have any to add!

https://www.themuse.com/advice/30-brilliant-networking-conversation-starters