You’ve just been invited to a networking event, or perhaps a gathering of key influencers in your industry. You finally get there, and suddenly find yourself speaking with nobody and by the time the night is over you’ve accomplished exactly as much as if you would have stayed home. This is a scenario no entrepreneur wants to be faced with, but for many this is the exact situation they can’t help but run into. So the question at this point becomes – what does one do to prevent it? How do you break the ice and start a productive conversation that leads to connections you need to land clients and work? With this guide we hope to help the less socially adept entrepreneurs out there to find their voice and form those crucial contacts to add to their address book.
Networking Meetings – How to Break the Ice
Some people really like learning little tidbits about the venue, the city they’re in, or other tiny bits of information. Be prepared with some factoids about the industry, about current events, or even about something that stands out like a statue. Such bits of trivia can help spark a conversation easily. If somebody is admiring something, you might be able to provide a bit of history. Some new bit of industry news can help you seem like somebody who is knowledgeable and worth getting to know. Do not underestimate the power of little bits of trivia in helping start conversation.
Trivia
