My speed networking self-experiment today live in Zurich: ???? my top 5 suggestions ???? how to go from awkward silence to engaging dialogue.

I do train and coach people how to communicate, how to write, how to present and how to become a thought leader.

So I should know how to ‘win hearts’ in speed networking, right?

At least that's what's expected of me ??

Tonight is a live event: the Award Ceremony of the Swiss Venture Club of the Zurich business area.

Admittedly, as someone who has been networking since the sandbox - btw that is not a joke, I really mean since the sandbox ??, I'm in my element ??

I can come to an event without knowing anyone and I can walk out with 5 genuine friendships that begin to unfold.

But I can tell you something: I hate small talk!

What's also interesting is that whenever I break the frame of small talk, people enjoy it a lot.

That's the secret of conversations that people like to remember and can get lost in for hours: because it's real connecting and it’s about something important and meaningful, no small talk!

I am curious about the other person, I want to understand him/her, I give my undivided attention.

That is pure energy!

So, let's get started: I would like to show you 5 types of introductions for a speed networking - always with an example using my own profile so that you can easily apply it for yourself:

??1???? The Curiosity Hook: "Hi, I'm Ludmilla - the person who believes technical marketing should have heart, mind, and a dash of #DERRtobedifferent personality. Want to hear how we're revolutionizing tech communication?"

??2????The Problem Solver Pitch: "I help tech companies and startups amplify their message - from LinkedIn influencer training to premium podcast panels. Essentially, I'm your go-to connector in the tech marketing world."

??3????The Interactive Opener: "Quick challenge: If you could instantly boost your company's tech visibility, what would you change? I specialize in making that happen for automotive and tech players."

??4????The Passion Story: "After years in the tech industry, I realized most tech companies struggle to tell their story. That's why I founded Elite Experts Conferences - to bridge that communication gap with creativity and strategy."

??5????The Unexpected Analogy: "Think of me as a tech storytelling DJ - mixing corporate insights, inspiring innovation, and marketing magic into compelling narratives that actually get heard."

And here is something you should NOT do ??????: imagine, most people end up hating networking events because they end up giving the same 30-second elevator pitch over and over and over again. In order to stand out, break the cycle, become memorable, and please don't start your conversations with "What do you do?" or "Where do you work?"

And my last advice for tonight: be natural and use the sense of humor because at some point everybody is just tired of the same introductions, why not simply to acknowledge that and say like: “I’m not going to ask you for the 50th time what you do for a living, but why don't you tell me the last book you read that you can't get out of your head? Or what is your favorite TED talk? Or favorite podcast and why?” And on and on...

There are thousands and thousands of fascinating topics, just like there are thousands and thousands of fascinating people.

You ‘just’ have to bring the necessary curiosity ??????

I'm looking forward to tonight ??

Ludmilla

#DERRtobedifferent

PS to all my Zurich connections: should you be at the same event tonight, write me and let’s have a chat, but no small talk, just important and meaningful topics ??????

#leadership? #innovation #technology #engineering #learning #network Elite Experts Conferences #EliteExpertsConferences? #LudmillaDerr