A mini guide on how to be done with “how do you do?”.
Networking fosters a supportive community by offering guidance, mentorship and the chance to learn new skills from experienced individuals. While networking can seem daunting to a lot of people, mastering a few key strategies can help you think on your feet in a social setting.
Here are four different types of conversation starters that you can customize to fit your networking needs.
1. The origin story
Is there any moment in a movie more compelling than the origin story? It gives the viewer an understanding of what makes the characters tick, their motivations, and how they ended up where they are.
Now, apply this classic storytelling approach to your conversations, and you have a better shot at understanding the people you want to network with. Many entrepreneurs and startups have a fair share of lore behind them, and getting to know these plot points certainly helps your case.
While a little bit of research into the individual or organization is always helpful, the origin story works just as well with new acquaintances. Try weaving questions like the following into the conversation and see where they take you:
- “Oh, What inspired you to pursue a career in [a specific field]?”
- “I admire your takes on [industry/topic/tech etc.], has this always interested you?”
- “I saw you [doing something related to their field/hobby/skill] earlier. What got you hooked on that aspect?”
2. The passion projects
All work and no play makes for a boring conversationalist. Constantly talking business, especially in social settings, can come across as pesky and even rude. And know this—talking shop is certainly not the only way to start a connection.
Many entrepreneurs are driven by their creative pursuits and hobbies. Find out what people do outside of work, what their hobbies and interests are and see if there are any shared passions. It is often these interests that shape individuals into who they are and potentially lead to passion projects.
Similar interests reflect a sense of like-mindedness that may end up reflecting positively on you. Try using the following statements to learn about someone’s interests and hobbies:
- “I really admire people who can [skill, e.g. paint]! Is that something you picked up recently?”
- “Would you rather spend a weekend [doing activity A] or [doing activity B]?”
- “What did you think of [a specific book/movie/artwork etc.]?”
3. Teach me your ways!
Having a good mentor can change the trajectory of your endeavor. If you come across someone with skills that you admire, playing your cards right conversationally can open the door to many learning opportunities. Even casual acquaintances may be open to the occasional query about your skill journey and point you in the right direction.
Here are a few ways to integrate your desire to learn into the conversation:
- “I’m interested in learning more about [an industry trend]. Have you seen any recent developments you find exciting?”
- “You’re amazing at [a specific skill]! I’ve been wanting to learn more about it. Do you have any tips for beginners?”
- “Learning [a specific skill] seems incredibly useful. Maybe someday I can pick your brain about it?”
4. Affiliation nation
The friend of a friend is a friend. In the fray of networking, forming associations with certain brands, people and organizations can drive conversations forward. As an entrepreneur, leveraging these common connections can open doors, grant favors and facilitate mentorship. Identifying these affiliations can take a bit of research and practice, but it definitely lends itself to results when done right.
Visual cues such as regimental ties by military personnel or veterans, organization markers like insignia lapel pins, tie pins or cuff links and company or institution logos on stationery or apparel can serve as conversation starters. Also, mentioning shared affiliations, such as Alma Maters or favorite brands, can also lend a fair amount of content for conversation.
Depending on where you are in the world, be mindful of the social norms associated with these markers. Try subtly inquiring about these markers with comments like:
- “I was admiring your [item of clothing] and it reminded me of [organization/institution]. Are you by chance familiar with them?”
- “I recently came across [organization’s work/event/achievement]. It’s very impressive! Have you heard of them?”
- “This event seems to have attracted a lot of people from [industry/field]. Are you involved in that area as well?”
Effective networking goes beyond just exchanging business cards—it’s about building genuine connections. By employing these conversational strategies, you can engage more meaningfully with others and create lasting professional relationships. Whether you’re delving into someone’s origin story, sharing passion projects, seeking mentorship or identifying common affiliations, each conversation is a step towards expanding your network in a way that is both fulfilling and beneficial.
Also read:
- BEYOND Expo 2024: Co-Founder Dr. Gang Lu on His Vision of a Connected Tech World in Asia
- Bookworms Unite! The Coolest Social Networking Platforms for Bibliophiles
- 6 Skills You Need for Effective Networking
Banner Image Courtesy of Author
