Ever been at an event where you exchange polite small talk but leave without a real connection? (In my 20's) I used to think networking was about handing out business cards—until I learned from one of the best interviewers of all time, Larry King, who said, "A good question starts a good conversation."
At a conference last year, I met a business owner who seemed distracted. Instead of the usual, “So, what do you do?” I asked, “What’s a challenge on your mind right now?” Her eyes lit up. We dove into a real conversation, and a month later, she became a client.
That moment reminded me that networking isn’t about selling—it’s about asking the right questions. Here are seven conversation starters that create real opportunities:
1️⃣ What brought you to this event? (A simple way to break the ice.)
2️⃣ What exciting project are you working on? (Gets them talking about something they love.)
3️⃣ What’s one thing you feel misunderstood about your work? (Helps them open up.)
4️⃣ What’s something valuable you’ve learned from events like this? (Creates an instant exchange of insights.)
5️⃣ What’s a skill you’re working on right now? (Great for career-focused conversations.)
6️⃣ What’s one hobby you love doing when you’re not working? (Moves beyond business talk.)
7️⃣ Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met here so far? (Encourages them to share connections.)
Try using one of these at your next event. You might just walk away with your next big client.
What’s your go-to networking question? Drop it in the comments!
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