How to skip the small talk and get to meaningful conversations
Good networking connections are like elevators - they can take you where you want to go much faster than taking the stairs (and less exhausting too). That advice sounds great - until you actually have to meet new people and nurture those connections!
For some people, hopping on a call or meeting up for coffee with a stranger can feel incredibly awkward or filled with boring small talk.
Nobody loves the dreaded “So what do you do?” - yet learning about the person and their business is what makes networking connections so powerful.
Use these 5 fun icebreaker conversation starters when meeting with a new networking connection for the first time - either in person or online.
1. "What's the most exciting project you're working on right now (or this year)?"
Invite them to share their passions and accomplishments. It gives them the chance to light up about something meaningful, setting a positive tone for the conversation.
This question lends itself to storytelling and specifics. Instead of boring, high-level descriptions such as “we sell IT solutions to beauty salons” you’re more likely to get a memorable answer such as “I just came back from Pennsylvania, where we just set up a brand new system for a high end day spa so they can fill their last minute cancellations with new appointments without having to spend hours on the phone.”
2. "How did you get started in your field?"
Everyone has a story about their journey. This question taps into their personal narrative, offering insights into their values and motivations while providing natural follow-ups.
Sometimes, when people tell their backstory, you’ll find other areas of commonalities. “I spent a few years in New York too,” or “I did some project management too.” If you can find areas of connection, you may both be more memorable to each other later.
3. "What’s a trend in your industry that has you excited—or maybe even concerned?"
This question is excellent because you’ll always get something interesting or even juicy.
It invites the other person to share speculations, real life experiences, and undercurrents of change that you may not be aware of.
Not only does it show that you're engaged in the bigger picture, it could even open up possibilities for potential collaborations and idea generation.
4. "What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting out in your field?"
This question allows them to share their wisdom from a learned experience. People love to feel helpful and you may learn something yourself!
If nothing else, you may hear some interesting stories - or find another commonality that you share. For example, maybe you both made similar missteps, or learned a similar lesson early on in your career.
5. "What are you letting go of this coming year? What have you released recently?
This unusual question often gets interesting results. This is a more thought-provoking question that is better asked once you are deeper into the conversation. For example - are they phasing out certain products? Exiting a difficult market? Releasing limiting beliefs?
This can give you more insight into them and the direction of their business - what is it moving towards? What is it moving away from?
Great networking isn’t about rehearsed pitches—it’s about genuine curiosity.
The term “pitch-slap” exists for a reason. Getting to know someone isn’t about blasting them with your information, it’s cultivating a two-way conversation.
Keep these questions in your metaphorical back pocket. The next time you’re in a 1:1 meeting and are trying to avoid banal small talk, try one of these conversation starters to create meaningful conversations.