Make Marketing Suck Less

Conversation Starters to Make Networking Fun

By Michelle Mazur >

Filed Under Communication

Standing ever-so coolly at a networking event, swirling my glass of wine like I know what the hell I'm talking about when it comes to wine (I don't – I know it's delicious).

A man approaches from across the crowded room, “Hey, I'm Jeff. What do you do?”

We chat about our business, exchange cards and go on our ways.

Immediately, the next person saunters up “Hi, I'm Marianne. What do you do?”

We chat about our business, exchange cards and go on our ways.

About the 5th time thisBusiness networking doesn't have to be boring occurs, I get bored. When I get bored, I get creative.

“So nice to meet you, Larry. I'm Michelle. I'm an erotic cake decorator.”

“Great to meet you, Lola. I'm Michelle – a funeral director. It's a growth industry you know.”

Of course, I don't say any of these things, but a girl can dream can't she?

What I find is…

Business networking is devoid of any real connection

It's hard to meet strangers and harder yet to strike-up a meaningful conversation. However, business grows as relationships flourish. Exchanging the 30-second elevator pitches, business cards and handshakes are not the way to cultivate connection.

That's why I LOVED this blog post by Alexandra Franzen: 

100 Alternatives to “So Waddya Do?”

What's was you favorite? Tell me in the comments below.

For me, the next time I see that smart looking business stud across the room, I'm going to confidently stride over and say “Hi, I'm Michelle. What was the best part of your day?”

 

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2 responses to “Conversation Starters to Make Networking Fun”

  1. David Hunt, PE says:
    October 10, 2013 at 9:56 am

    It strikes me that the embedded link is more for casual/social, not business, networking. Still:

    1. So, what brings you here?
    2. That’s a really nice (tie, broach, something obviously unusual they’re wearing).

    • Michelle Mazur says:
      October 15, 2013 at 5:51 am

      Hi David. Thank you for your comment. I believe the article does have more informal ones, but also one that work well for networking. It’s all about your style. If you want to stand out and make connections then I think these work well. It shakes up networking from the tried and true – “what do you do?” or even the “what brings you here?” Transform it into a conversation with another human being.