5 Ways to Strike Up Conversation When Networking

There you are—in a crowded room full of business professionals, holding a plate of cocktail shrimp in your hand, a stack of business cards in your back pocket. And as you glance around the room, desperate to find someone you know at this particular networking event, you realize that you are all alone. You are a stranger to this scene and you have no idea how to strike up a business conversation.

So what do you do?

Do you panic, shove the shrimp down your throat and bail? Do you sit at a table and wait for somebody to come to you? Or do you take action, put down the plate of shrimp, and confidently approach an individual or a small group? Obviously, you know which option to choose.

But once you've finally approached the particular individual that you would like to network with, sometimes it's difficult to know exactly what to say. Here is some guidance to help you strike up conversation with anybody at any networking event.

1. Hi, My Name is (your name).
Follow the same phrase that is printed on most sticky nametags: "Hi, my name is _______." By introducing yourself confidently and explaining what you do, more questions will come up and conversation will start to flow. It's all about being confident. Don't forget to smile, have a firm handshake, and make eye contact when approaching your victim of choice!

2. Hi (individual's name), What Do You Do?
Being straight-forward and asking somebody what they do right off the bat is one way to say that you are open for communication. It's the easiest thing to say and allows for great networking opportunities to happen right from the start of the conversation.

3. How Long Have You ("been" verb-ing)?
Asking a quick question that relates directly to the event that you are attending is a great opener to use when networking. Rather than asking, "do you come here often?" (as many men use when picking up the ladies at a bar), ask "how long have you been a part of this organization?" or "how long have you been doing business with this company?" It's a more open-ended question than one that begs for a "yes" or "no" answer and always opens the gates to further explanation.

4. I Love Your (noun).
This is a great way to start conversation, especially if you are a woman. Paying a person a sincere and honest compliment is the best way to get someone to open up to you. Starting a conversation with, "I love your shirt", or even complimenting the atmosphere such as, "isn't the food here great?", are two sure-fire ways to get talking with the person next to you.

5. Isn't this event (adjective)?
Talking about the event will open many doors to networking conversation. Start off by saying "isn't this event great?" or even talking about the venue such as, "isn't this venue gorgeous?" It leaves room for more communication about the event such as its food, attendance, cause, etc.

So the next time you find yourself spending more time in line at the buffet, in the bathroom, or alone at a table at your next networking event, try using one of these five techniques to fire off some interesting conversation. After all, you never know who you're going to meet.