How to Approach Strangers at Networking Events

If you struggle to keep conversations going during networking, this tip will increase your response rate. Talk about people’s passions. Why? After getting more than 17,000 followers and networking with hundreds of job searchers, I can confidently say that: People love talking about what excites them. It’s an easy way to build rapport. Here’s how I’ve helped 50+ data professionals leverage this strategy to increase response rates and build meaningful relationships: 1️⃣ Do some research. Look at their LinkedIn or portfolio. Find something impressive. 2️⃣ Start with flattery and curiosity. Example: “Hey [Name], I noticed you [accomplishment/project]. That’s incredible! What’s the part you enjoy most about it?” 3️⃣ Follow their passion. Ask questions to show genuine interest. Let the conversation flow naturally. 4️⃣ Find common ground. When they mention something you relate to, dig deeper. Build the connection. 5️⃣ Tie it back to your goal. Shift the conversation to their role or company. Example: “Oh, does your team work on X?” “How does your company approach Y?” For instance, let’s say their passion is travel. You: “That’s awesome! Where’s the most interesting place you’ve been?” Them: “I loved Thailand!” You: “That’s on my list! Did you manage to work remotely while there?” From there, the conversation naturally moves toward their job. Pro Tip: Not everyone will engage, and that’s okay. You don't have to be "perfect" to start networking. Yes, you will still get rejected, that’s part of the game. But you'll get better after multiple iterations. Focus on connecting with the right people. Try this next time you’re stuck in a conversation and let me know how it went.

"I go to parties, but no one ever approaches me. Is something wrong with me?" A friend asked me this recently. She’s smart. Charming. Totally magnetic. But there was a problem: Her body language was screaming, "DO NOT APPROACH." Here's how to fix approachability (whether you’re networking or just want better social connections): 1. Open Your Torso Always keep your torso angled toward the room, not closed off. We instinctively avoid approaching people with: • Crossed arms • Something clutched to their chest • Bodies turned away from the crowd Opening your body physically and subconsciously signals "I'm open to conversation." ____ 2. Use "Croissant Feet" When standing or talking, position your feet like a croissant—slightly open toward the room. This subtle stance shows you're physically available for others to join your conversation. ____ 3. Stand in the Strategic Spot Most people stand by the entrance, food, or bathroom. Wrong. The sweet spot: Right where people exit the coffee station with drinks in hand. They're ready to mingle, relaxed, and looking to engage. ____ 4. Master the Eyebrow Flash See someone across the room you want to connect with? Give them a subtle eyebrow raise. It's a universal silent “hello” that works across cultures. Note: It's brief - just a quick flash, not a sustained raise. ____ 5. Wear Conversation Starters I wear my Ravenclaw Harry Potter shirt to the gym. People constantly approach me to talk about houses, favorite characters, or share their Hogwarts stories. Other examples: • College alumni gear • Unique accessories (I wear red shoes that always start conversations) • Name tags with something interesting (I write "Recovering Awkward Person" under my name) ____ 6. Treat Strangers Like Old Friends The energy you bring to an old friend is warm and welcoming. With strangers, we get reserved and boring. Instead of: "Nice to meet you. What do you do?" Try: "Oh, it's so great to meet you! What’s been the highlight of your week?" ____ 7. Be "Smile Ready" (Not Fake Smiley) Don't walk around with a permanent grin - that's weird. Instead, be ready with an authentic smile when something genuinely excites you. Real smiles reach your upper cheek muscles. Save them for moments like "Oh, you got a new puppy? I love dogs! Can I see pictures?" ____ Remember: Approachability isn’t just for extroverts. It’s a skill anyone can practice. Making small adjustments in positioning, posture, and energy can completely transform how others perceive and approach you.

Hardest part about networking is figuring out how to strike up a conversation with the person you want to talk to without it feeling awkward, contrived, or thirsty. My go-to strategy? Ask good questions. And listen more than you talk. A few ways to go about this… 1. Find commonality. Maybe they went to your alma mater, or you both worked at the same company for a period of time. They may share mutual disdain for a competitor (nothing bonds like hatred), or can relate to some of your experiences. Like sports, people often bond over things they can complain about. 2. Show reverence and curiosity. “Hey, I’m a fan of your work on XYZ, that must have been an incredible project to work on…” 3. Look for an easy in. Grab them a beer if they’re running low. If they’re talking to someone you know, seize the moment to get a friendly introduction but don’t overstay your welcome. 4. Lead with humor. Not stand up comedy, just a quick quip to clear the air: “Love your LinkedIn content! I read it more than my emails.” Just think about how you’d want to be approached. You don't have to come prepared, but you do need to be engaging and authentic. 

It’s fall, and you know what that means: It’s networking season! Many people shy away from networking events because they can be uncomfortable. I understand that - it's normal to feel out of place when you don’t know anyone. But what if you had a strategy to turn every event into a meaningful opportunity? Let me share two simple but effective strategies I use to feel more comfortable and maximize my time at large gatherings: My first tip? Always have a question ready. When you’re at a networking event, people will react positively when you approach them. Everyone’s there to network, right? You can go up to someone and ask something easy like, “What are you most excited about right now?” or “Tell me about you.” These questions open the door to deeper conversations that  take you beyond small talk. When they answer you can pick out something to hook onto to bring the conversation to a deeper level. . The second tip? Have a follow-up plan. As you talk, think about ways you can contribute to the person’s life—a relevant article, podcast, or even a LinkedIn connection. By offering something valuable, you create a natural follow-up that helps maintain the relationship. These strategies help you get value from the event. Networking isn’t just about adding more contacts—it’s about building connections that matter. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re just passing out business cards and walking away with relationships that last. Networking events may be contrived, but with practice they can help you achieve your goals. What’s your go-to strategy for making meaningful connections at networking events? #networking  #strategy  #communication