HOW TO START A CONVERSATION AT A NETWORKING EVENT: Tips for Non-Awkward Conversations

Summary

In this video, Kyra Ronan shares essential tips for starting conversations at networking events, emphasizing the importance of traditional conversation starters like asking about someone's job or background. She highlights that these familiar questions help create a comfortable environment, fostering genuine connections. By focusing on the other person and encouraging them to share their experiences, attendees can leave a positive impression. Ronan also mentions leveraging event-related topics to engage others effectively. For those seeking to enhance their networking skills further, she promotes her course on business etiquette available on Udemy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Networking is essential for emerging leaders to build visibility and influence.
• 😀 Traditional conversation starters like 'What do you do?' create a comfortable atmosphere.
• 😀 Asking work-related questions helps you learn more about the other person's background.
• 😀 Event-related questions leverage shared experiences to deepen connections.
• 😀 Avoid using innovative questions that may intimidate or confuse the other person.
• 😀 People appreciate when you show genuine interest in their stories and experiences.
• 😀 Focus on making the other person feel important instead of pushing your own agenda.
• 😀 It's okay to use commonly asked questions; they're effective in starting conversations.
• 😀 Networking events are opportunities to connect, not to impress others.
• 😀 Consider checking out resources like the Leadership Evaluation Toolkit and business etiquette courses for further learning.

Q & A

Why is networking important according to the speaker?

The speaker emphasizes that networking is essential for gaining clients and building visibility and influence, particularly after transitioning from a corporate environment to starting a business.

What are traditional conversation starters?

Traditional conversation starters are common questions like 'What do you do?' or 'What line of work are you in?' These are non-threatening and help the other person feel comfortable during networking events.

What types of questions does the speaker recommend avoiding?

The speaker advises against innovative or original questions that may intimidate others or divert from the primary goal of connecting with people.

What is the primary goal when starting a conversation at a networking event?

The primary goal is to connect with others, not to impress them with intelligence or creativity. It's important to make the other person feel safe and valued.

What are some examples of work-related conversation starters?

Examples include asking about how long someone has been in their industry, where they studied, or what they like best about their job. These questions encourage others to share their backgrounds and experiences.

How can event-related conversation starters be beneficial?

Event-related questions, such as 'Have you been to this event before?' or 'How did you find out about it?' leverage shared experiences, making it easier to engage in conversation.

What effect do questions about someone's background have?

Asking about someone's background allows them to reflect on their journey, making them feel important and valued, which can lead to a positive impression of the asker.

What should you focus on when attending networking events?

Attendees should focus on the other person, making them feel special and important rather than pushing their own agenda or sales pitches.

What does the speaker suggest to those who fear asking traditional questions?

The speaker reassures that using traditional, proven questions is not boring and that the main concern should be connecting with others rather than impressing them.

What resources does the speaker offer for further learning about networking?

The speaker promotes their 'Business Etiquette 101: Social Skills for Success' video course available on Udemy, which has helped over 13,000 students.