Top 15 Business Networking Conversation Starters
By: Lauren Marsicano
Insta: @networkingmaverick
Top 15 Business Networking Conversation Starters
Business networking events can be awkward. Once you shake someone’s hand and introduce yourself, what do you talk about? As an ambivert (or extroverted introvert) who has attended and facilitated countless networking events, I know that it can be difficult to make natural conversation with someone you’ve just met and make the most of that first conversation. But I have just the right conversation starters to get that natural conversation flowing and make the most of your first meeting to go beyond the usual business talk.
Here are the top 15 business networking conversation starters based on years of attending and facilitating networking events:
1. What do you think of the event so far?
This is a safe introductory question that could open up to other conversations about previous events attended or even other events held in that particular venue.
2. What brings you to this event?
You might learn that they are there to support a speaker you enjoyed hearing. Or that they know someone you know as well. Whatever the case, this question could really get the conversation going.
3. Are you originally from [city where event is]? Did business bring you here?
Learning about where the person is from could lead to conversations about where they are from originally. Or if you’re from out of town, and they are locals, they can give you tips on great places to visit. This is a great one to keep your new connection engaged.
4. How did you get into this work?
Learning someone’s history can tell you a lot about their journey, and could give you some insight into how to navigate your own career. Also, people love any opportunity to talk about themselves, and it gives a chance to learn about your new business connection.
5. What do you love most about what you do?
This topic of conversation helps people share more personal values and feelings related to their business. It’s great for creating a deeper connection in an appropriate and professional way.
6. Are you reading any books you’d recommend? -OR- Is there a show/movie you would recommend on this subject?
If you have a genuine interest in getting to know more about something they mention or their industry/business, ask for recommendations. People love sharing their knowledge and expertise.
7. Who was your favorite speaker? -OR - What’s your favorite thing you learned today?
These questions are excellent for conferences, panels, seminars, or events that have several speakers. It could help you both recap what’s been discussed at the event so far, and exchange information and ideas.
8. What is the best/worst business advice you’ve ever gotten?
This question is invaluable, especially if you are just starting out in business. Learning from others’ experiences is a great way to succeed by following their example, or to avoid mistakes that they’ve made.
9. [INSERT GENUINE COMPLIMENT HERE]
Whether it’s complimenting the color of their blouse or the confidence with which they speak, people love receiving compliments. As Maya Angelou said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
10. How long have you worked with your company/owned your business?
This could help you determine how best to bring value to the conversation. Do they have information to help you in your business that you can reciprocate in some way? Or are there any tips you can give them to help them in their business? This question will help guide where the conversation goes.
11. What’s your favorite project/client?
This gives you a good idea of who they work with or what kinds of projects they are engaged in. If you use your knowledge of their work to go the extra step and share a potential connection that could help them in their business, this could help you build a rapport with this new connection.
12. Is there anyone you would like to meet here? - OR- Who’s your ideal client/business connection?
This question will help you gauge why they came to the event, and see if you could facilitate their meeting someone they were hoping to meet.
13. Are you a member of any networking groups?
If the event is for a particular group, then you can ask, “Are you a member of any other networking groups?” You can ask them how they like the group, what they’ve gotten out of it, and if they like it so far.
14. Where do you see yourself/your career/your business in [a number] of years?
This is an excellent opportunity for getting to know their future goals. And perhaps even opens up the opportunity for you to suggest ways your work, business, or talents can help them achieve those goals.
15. Are you on social media?
Finding out if they are on social media will give you the opportunity to connect and follow up if you are interested in discussing business with them further. It could also engage your new connection on their favorite platform and how they use it for their business.
Use these top 15 business networking conversation starters to make the most of your new connections and keep awkwardness at bay.
Looking to level up your networking skills? Click here to read the top 5 ways to improve your networking skills.
Happy Connecting!