I get asked this networking question all the time. “How in the world do I start a conversation with someone I don’t know?!”

Whether is it how to start the conversation, or how to initiate the meetup, the answer is more simple than you think.

Take the NIKE approach – Just DO It.

OK. Here’s a bit more on this…  You’re saying “sounds simple but…”

A few examples:

You’re at a business event, and you see a person you respect with whom you’ve never had the chance to chat. Your first option is to work your way to the area where this person is standing, wait for the opportunity for eye contact, smile, and say  “hello.” That’s it! Trust me – 99.9% of people with return a response. So, You’re IN! The smile and the eye contact is really important, because it shows you as friendly and approachable.

Your second option is to ask someone who knows both of you to make the introduction. Easy.  Again, you’re IN!

Now, what to say…

For starters, an easy “how is your evening going?” can work. Questions are great conversation starters. A question about anything relatable – the venue, the event, the organization, the location, the latest sports event. The critical thing about asking a question is to truly LISTEN to the answer rather than to think about the next question you’re going to ask or worse, to find a way to talk about your business before it is natural. OR to hand your business card before it is a natural progression in your conversation.

Think of it this way. A networking convo is like a dance. When you “dance” with the other person, the conversation flows back and forth. It is not forced, and can become rather easy. And even more than that, enjoyable.

Extra credit tip: Business card exhanges should be the last part of the conversation – AFTER you’ve had a friendly chat. Just remember that. More on business card strategies here.

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