Warm Networking Ice Breakers for Winter
Jonathan Flaks
RESUME WRITING and LinkedIn profiles ?? Sourcing Opportunities and Interviewing Skills ?? Job OFFER Negotiation??-- Committed to your leadership career success, happiness and balance
I frequently get asked, “What’s the best way to introduce myself online to someone who doesn’t know me?”
First, I say, focus on the people who DO know you, and the people they can introduce you to.?
However, whether you’re reaching out to a friend, a friend of a friend, or a decision-maker with influence, you CAN increase your odds of inspiring a motivated response.?
Most people open with a canned, soulless pitch that makes the other person immediately look for the exit.?
Here are some networking icebreakers without breaking your chances of making a connection:
1. Skip the Resume, Lead with Curiosity
Nobody cares about your “extensive experience in cross-functional synergies.”?
People love to talk about themselves.?
Ask a simple question. For example: “I saw you made a career move from finance to tech—what helped you make the leap?”
2. Give a Compliment That Doesn’t Sound Like Flattery
Instead of “I love your work” (which sounds like you printed their LinkedIn profile and framed it), be specific: “I really liked your article on AI in recruiting. The part about bias in hiring really stuck with me.”
If you don’t know the person, take 3-4 weeks to give their posts a “thumbs up” and truly acknowledge them and other followers in the comments.?
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This shows you’ve paid attention and are engaging – not just buttering them up. ?Then, when you message them, they’ll recognize your name and a positive feeling associated, so they will be MUCH more likely to respond.
3. Be a Human, Not a Sales Pitch
Nobody wants to connect with someone who immediately says, “So, who do you know is hiring?”?
Instead, talk about something relevant but casual. “I saw your company is expanding—how are you doing with the challenges of recruiting and what’s going well??
This invites a real conversation instead of a transaction.
Finally, don’t just take a “one and done” approach. Like sales, it may take 5-7 touches to get a response.
Networking is just relating to people—without making them feel like they’re part of a weird job fair. Keep it real and human, and don’t open with, “I’m just reaching out to … “ ?
You’re more valuable than that generic, diminishing opening would suggest. ?
So go ahead, break the ice—with confidence and authenticity. Your next opportunity might just be one conversation away!
I have recently edited a video series that goes deeper. ?Send me a message and mention F.E.N.G. for free access.?
Join me for a free webinar - register here or DM me at www.dhirubhai.net/in/jonathanflaks