Killer Ice-breakers

Who hasn’t felt their heart sink and their stomach churn when you can hear the roar of chatter behind the door as you approach a networking event?

It’s the nightmare scenario everyone faces as novice networkers. But there are a few things you need to bear in mind if you want to make these events purposeful instead of painful.

The main thing you need to do is use your ears. Your ears never get you in trouble! People love to talk about themselves, their passion about their business and who they are. Let them. They’ll think you’re fascinating and charismatic and all you did was nod in the right place and more importantly, picked up clues about how to help them, connect them to others or form a strategic alliance.

Let them do all the work and let your ears do the detective work and this way you don’t leave the event exhausted and feeling as if you’ve done nothing but hard sell yourself for hours.

Tuck one or two of these up your sleeve to ask:

1. What’s do you love about your job? (See their passion)

Their faces should light up at this point and if they don’t that in itself is another clue as to who they are and what their business needs. People will immediately warm to you for asking this. Good ice breaker.

2. How did you get started in your line of work? (Their life story)

You may get someone’s life history here especially if they are successful but again a good way of seeing what makes the person tick.

3. What separates your business from your competitors? (What makes them different)

This gives the other person permission to brag and show what they excel at. What their USP is. Nod, smile and look impressed. You’re learning new things all the time.

4. What’s changed in your industry over the last few years and what do you see happening in the future? (Their challenges

This allows the person to show off their knowledge and expertise. They know more about this subject than you but it also gives you an insight to their challenges from their observations and speculations. Use this information for follow up.

5. So, what's next for you? Where will you be in 5 years time - beach or boardroom? (Their Big Dream)

Some want world domination, others a quiet life; a global empire or a “nice little living” but whatever it is the individual wants now you are privy to their Big Dream How could you help them get there? Who or what do you know that could help them (and benefit you?)

6. What’s one of the funniest things you’ve experienced in business life? (Relax them)

A funny and memorable story will have you both giggling. Everyone adores someone who made them laugh, even if they themselves were the one to tell the funny story! It makes everyone feel more relaxed and it makes you memorable Have your own story up your sleeve and share it too.

7. What’s your ideal type of client/customer? (Who they are looking for)

Celebrities, the rich, the poor, the needy, the pregnant, married, single, with children, high powered corporate, small business owner, international, local, CEO, entrepreneur? Why not pass on leads or offer referrals at this stage? This implicitly tells them you’ll look out for them and could encourage reciprocation. Makes you look like a good networker.

And finally don’t cross examine, be human and share your stories too where appropriate. Don’t try to sell and do explore common ground. Introduce them to other networkers, even if you’ve only just met them too.

Remember also that you’re not just here to socialize. Be goal-focused and have an intention from the event and if you can enjoy yourself. There’s nothing more attractive than someone having fun and making it look effortless.

For more fantastic tips and advice visit Carole Ann Rice at Real Coaching Co www.realcoachingco.com