Six Tips to Get the Conversation Started at a Networking Event
Melanie Wardle
I help businesses demonstrate their knowledge, expertise and personality through my copywriting and copy editing skills; with the emphasis on editing! ... Write less to say more ...
Something that I know can be daunting if you are new to networking, or maybe have got out of the habit or are visiting a new group, is how to start a conversation with people you have never met before. So here are six tips from me on how to get the conversation going at a networking event:
1. Relax! Everyone wants to meet new people
The first thing to remember is that everyone is there to meet new people and make new connections - that is our objective - so we all want to talk to people we have never met before.
2. Head for the refreshments?
There is always a conversation to be had over the refreshments. Is that thermos tea or coffee? Don’t those cookies look good or just simply ask someone if they are having tea or coffee and pour it for them.
3. Talk networking
The easiest topic to talk about at a networking event is… networking!
Have they been to this event before? If so ask them about the meeting – What’s the format? How long have they been attending? What do they like about the group?
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Do they do much other networking? Which other groups do they attend? What format do they prefer?
4. Ask about their business
Yes, I know it is obvious but we are there to find out about everyone’s business so ask someone what they do. Have a few follow up questions ready – Where are they based? How long have they been in business? How did they come to start their business? It doesn’t have to be deep you are just getting the conversation going.
Important note here – be prepared to describe your business too – a brief couple of sentences that are simple to understand and easy to remember.
5. Moving on
So, you have had a nice chat and got to know the other person but you know you need to speak to other people as well. How do you move on? Well, you simply say so. “It’s been lovely chatting to you but I'm going to circulate"/"We both need to go and meet other people."
6. Introducing yourself
And then you realise there is still no one else there you know so what I do is look round for a group of people who do not appear to be having too intense a conversation and walk up to them with a smile and say “Hi I’m Mel I don’t think we’ve met before…”