To a degree, networking events can be nerve-wracking. You’re standing in a room full of strangers, trying to figure out how to strike up a conversation without coming off as awkward or forced. You’re also doing this because you want to get known more within your industry, scale your business, and, who knows, maybe look for some talent or other connections, too.
It’s totally understandable, really, and even though this is super unspoken, there is a lot of awkwardness with these networking events. So, how can you deal with this? What can you do? Well, as generic as it sounds, it’s going to start with a positive mindset. But is that all? Well, here are some other things you’ll need to know when it comes to transforming these encounters into enjoyable interactions. Here’s how to do it!
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Accept That Awkwardness Is Normal
First things first, accept that some level of awkwardness is inevitable. When you meet strangers, it’s very rarely you’re going to click, especially in a professional setting like networking events. Honestly, everyone feels it, and acknowledging this can take the pressure off. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling a bit out of place. Embracing the awkwardness can actually make you more relatable. A simple “These events can be a bit intimidating, huh?” can break the ice and invite others to share a laugh.
Ask Open-Ended Questions
One of the best ways to keep a conversation flowing is to ask open-ended questions. Instead of the usual, “What do you do?” try something more engaging like, “What inspired you to get into your field?” or “What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?” These types of questions invite detailed responses and show genuine interest in the other person. You don’t want to make this feel like an interview either because that’s going to make it awkward as well.
Share a Bit About Yourself
While it’s important to listen, sharing a bit about yourself can help build rapport. When someone asks about you, give them more than just your job title. Share a recent project you’re passionate about or a hobby you enjoy. This gives the other person multiple avenues to connect with you, making the conversation more dynamic.
But, it might also help to give out business cards (technically, it’s expected), and when you give one out, if you make it unique, such as giving out letterpress business cards, then this alone could become a nice conversation, too. Just don’t talk too much about yourself (because this can actually become awkward), but just talk a bit about yourself, ask them questions, and try to get an enjoyable conversation going that way, too. There’s an art to it, and balance is definitely needed.
Use the Environment
It might even be a good idea to just take advantage of your surroundings to spark conversation. If you’re at a conference, you can talk about a keynote speaker or a workshop you attended. If the event has food or drinks, commenting on them can be an easy conversation starter. “Have you tried the appetizers? They’re surprisingly good!” can lead to a pleasant exchange.
