Hottubtimemachine profile picture
Hottubtimemachine profile picture

Hottubtimemachine

Director of Business Development

Good Citizen
Contributor
Fire Starter
+1

What's the best ice-breaker while networking?

We've all done the mingling thing. It is amazing how many people I still find standing alone or with the SAME person during the entire event. Since this site is full of professional bullshitters (I mean that in the nicest way...), I thought I would ask HOW you break the ice when forced to talk to strangers.

Ice-breaker options

Attached poll
*Voting in this poll no longer yields commission.
😂 Sales Humor
🤝 Networking
👥 Social Selling
15

18 comments

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Sunbunny31
Politicker
11
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Ask them about themselves, then listen. Don't try to one up. If they're good at networking, they'll ask you about yourself as well. If they aren't, the art of extricating yourself and moving onto the next person/group will be the next thing to accomplish.
HVACexpert
Politicker
10
sales engineer
The answer is E. ‘Go and introduce yourself in a professional and courteous manor and ask questions to get the conversation going.’
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
9
Bravado's Resident Asshole
.
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
3
Lead Sales
Exactly. It is a networking event. They expect to talk to people. Comment on a nearby booth or a recent presentation. Don't overthink it
CuriousFox
WR Officer
7
🦊
Gimmee ALL da beads 📿
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
6
☕️
I often ask them what they're drinking and why they chose such a terrible drink. Doesn't matter if I'm drinking the same thing, I'll sacrifice myself for the good of my intro.
Pachacuti
Politicker
6
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Complimenting the person in some minor way is always good. "nice tie" "nice blouse" "nice shoes", etc....

Or something less personal - "I heard your company just did..."

If all that fails, offer to send them a 🍆 pic. Works 3 out of 4 times.
oldcloser
Arsonist
0
💀
"nice tie" "nice blouse" "nice shoes"
and if they're offended, tell them it wasn't you who said it. It was the bowl of peanuts at the bar. They're complimentary.

....apologies
Filth
Politicker
4
Live Filthy or Die Clean
High energy - be a person worth talking to either b/c of the info you have or just sheer charisma. Put on the charm & smile and think fun, happy thoughts.

I've been to events as a brand new employee who new nothing of the product or industry and made great connections for myself and org just b/c I enjoy talking to people about everything. Think more cocktail party or mixer than power point presentation.

People talk to people they like and eventually buy from people they trust. It's a fun path when you can start the relationship in person.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Just be careful not to use alcohol to fuel that energy. That can lead to ... well, we all know what it can lead to. :)
Filth
Politicker
2
Live Filthy or Die Clean
good point made by bunny, keep the extracurriculars to yourself, no need for anyone to think less of your life choices :D
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
You don't want to be THAT GUY.
RandyLahey
Politicker
1
Account Executive
The jokes are a risk, I always try to lead with an open ended question/ask, "tell me about yourself"
Justatitle
Big Shot
1
Account Executive
Intro, Common problem they likely have that you can solve, CTA and end.
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
To me the B all the way.

For C it should be only with someone you know so closely IMO!

Don't use the rest quite often.
justatopproducer
Politicker
1
VP OF SALES -US
I always lead with politics and then roll into religion if they didn’t hate me yet. (What not to do/say at a networking event)
detectivegibbles
Politicker
0
Sales Director
Be curious always
WheelofCheese
Opinionated
0
Sales Executive
I simply take an interest in the person but also keep it light and low pressure. Conversations flow naturally… just be yourself!

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