Conversation Starters for Networking Events

Networking events can feel daunting. You're surrounded by unfamiliar faces, forced smiles, and the pressure to make a good impression. But fret not! Effective networking is all about building connections, and the first step is simply striking up a conversation. This blog highlights different ways you can start conversation whenever you are in any networking event

Why Network?

Networking isn't just about collecting business cards. It's about building genuine relationships that can open doors to new opportunities. From finding your dream job to landing a valuable client, a strong network can be your weapon for professional life. Here are just a few reasons networking is essential:

Job Hunting

It's no secret that many jobs are filled through networking. By connecting with people in your field, you get your name out there and increase your chances of landing your ideal position.

Industry Knowledge

Networking events are a goldmine of industry insights. Chat with people who do what you do (or what you aspire to do) to gain valuable knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.

Collaboration

Networking can lead to exciting collaborations. Meeting people with complementary skills can spark innovative ideas and open doors to new projects.

How to Start a Conversation?

Now that we've established the importance of networking, let's tackle those initial conversations. Here are some frameworks to help you break the ice:

Situational

Comment on the event, the food, or even the weather! "This venue is amazing, have you been here before?" is a simple yet effective way to start a conversation. It's a safe and easy way to break the ice because it provides a common ground for you and the other person. Here's how to use it effectively:

Be positive and observant

Instead of complaining about the lukewarm coffee, comment on the impressive venue's architecture.

Industry Specific

Ask a question related to the event's theme or industry. It demonstrates your interest in the field and opens doors to discussing trends, challenges, or insights. For example,"I found the speaker's presentation on AI fascinating, what are your thoughts?" shows you're engaged and interested.

Listen to the event theme or speaker

Pay attention to keywords and topics discussed.

Craft questions based on what you hear

If the speaker talked about marketing automation, you could ask: "I found the talk on marketing automation really interesting, what are your thoughts on its impact on the future of marketing?"

Share your own perspective

After asking a question, briefly share your own thoughts or experiences on the topic.

Personal Touch

People love to talk about themselves. This framework uses a personal approach to connect with the other person on a human level. People generally enjoy talking about themselves, so asking the right questions can lead to a more engaging conversation.

For example, "What brought you to this event today?" or "What are you passionate about outside of work?" are great conversation starters.

Start with a light-hearted question

"What brought you to this event today?" is a classic that works well.

Show genuine interest

Actively listen to their response and ask follow-up questions based on what they share.

Find common ground

Look for shared interests, hobbies, or experiences you can discuss.

Open Ended

Avoid yes-or-no questions. Instead, ask questions that encourage dialogue. This framework focuses on asking questions that can't be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Open-ended questions encourage conversation and allow the other person to elaborate on their thoughts and experiences. Use question words like "what," "why," or "how."

Focus on sparking a dialogue

Don't just ask for factual information.

Build on their responses

Listen actively and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing.

Bonus Tip

Be an active listener! Pay attention to their responses and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation flowing.

Showcase Yourself with TapOnn

Now you've got the conversation starters down, but what about making a lasting impression?

That’s where TapOnn comes in!

TapOnn is a unique platform that allows you to showcase your work in an interactive and engaging way.

Showcase yourself with TapOnn’s smart card

Imagine being able to share your portfolio, website, or social media profiles with a simple tap of your phone on someone's smartphone. TapOnn creates a dynamic experience that sets you apart from the crowd and leaves a memorable impression.

So, the next time you're at a networking event, remember these conversation starters, leverage the power of TapOnn, and watch your network grow!