Ok so who doesn't get a bit nervous walking into a room when you don't know very many people, or even worse, not a soul? I know I do! Networking events can get a bad wrap just thinking about them right? I love meeting new people, but do admit that I find it a lot easier (and less nerve wracking) at a dinner party when a seasoned host is a master at mixing and mingling the right guests. And of course, a cocktail usually helps loosen up the crowd! I like to think I am fairly practiced at walking up to strangers, and yes, I do sometimes practice in the mirror to polish a few new ice breakers of my own!
I find that the most boring approach is asking someone what they do……OY already right? Depending on the event and my purpose for being there, I try to come up with some questions that feel appropriate and will help me attain my goal. My goals vary from event to event and I might be looking for different outcomes like meeting new friends, scoping out potential JV partners, learning some new techy trick, just gathering business cards, and sometimes just meeting people who can refer a client down the line. I like to make friends and get to know people to see what happens down the line.
I reached out to my Entreprenette Experts for their tips on awesome Ice Breakers so read on……they have great tips!
1. Come Bearing Gifts
My best Ice Breaker: My top 3 ice breakers when meeting new clients:
1. Come bearing a gift. This can be anything from a gift card to a nice business pen or something practical for any business person. It's hard to go wrong with this approach.
2. Compliment something specific. A tie, a college class ring, etc.
3. Talk up technology. If you notice a client's smart phone, ask them their thoughts on it. Then compare it with your own phone. It's an easy way to find some common ground.
2. Ice Breakers When Traveling
My best Ice Breaker: If you travel a lot on business and meet new clients in different cities, here are my top 3 ways to break the ice while on the road:
1. Ask a potential new client for advice on a local restaurant. What do they recommend in the area? An easy way to start talking about food, and who doesn't love food?
2. Do a little research about the city's sports history and current conditions and talk up sports to the locals.
3. Ask a client how long they have lived in the area. It's a natural.
3. Be Yourself!
My best Ice Breaker: I truly believe when it comes to networking, much like the dating game, cheesy lines don't work! It is crucial to be yourself! Before a networking opportunity, I scan newspapers and listen to News Talk Radio to get topical issues for conversation. By simply chatting about current events and asking the other person questions, you will create a warm and friendly environment. After which, you can segway nicely into discussing your business and possible opportunities! Sorry no magic formula!
4. What Brought You Here Tonight?
My best Ice Breaker: I find that a simple, honest approach is best and often start conversations at networking events by asking "What brought you here today/tonight?" It's an easy open as everyone has a reason for being at that particular event, whether it's a friend's invitation, simple networking or to promote a particular service or product. By approaching someone and giving them a friendly opening to talk about themselves, they then usually reciprocate and we are able to easily start a valuable conversation.
5. Don't act like a robot online
My best Ice Breaker: Online networking can be challenging since you risk being ignored. Grab their attention by asking a question. Discuss the ways you can help each other out. Make your message interesting but brief. Feel free to bring up common connections, introduce yourself and always offer the opportunity to continue the conversation over the phone and/or Live Chat. BE REAL. No one wants to read an email or LinkedIn message written by a robot sounding salesperson.
6. Smile and Connect!
My best Ice Breaker: Networking has been a wonderful way for me to meet new friends. I start with putting a smile on my face & then pay a compliment. As a jewelry designer I am always interested in what people like to wear, so I comment on their accessories. It helps to mention the group at whose event you're meeting. It is important to find something in common - a lively exchange usually follows. If you find yourself in an awkward silence gracefully move on. Whatever happens don't forget to exchange business cards!
7. Networking Ice Breaker
My best Ice Breaker: At networking events, I simply step up to someone who is not deep in conversation and offer a warm smile and a handshake. I say my name and business and ask them to share what they do. I completely focus on what they say because I have found this to be the best ice breaker. Listening and asking clarifying questions helps that person to know that you are really intrigued, not just getting past the formalities to promote your own services. They will typically warm up to you much more quickly.
8. Be Positive, Perceptive, True
My best Ice Breaker: A simple 5W or H statement which is positive, perceptive and true is an easy icebreaker. Where did you get that stunning scarf? Who cuts your hair, it looks great. Asking about the other person puts them in the position to know the answer. Question + Response = Communication + Listen/Respond = Conversation. Act as a host (even if you're not) to put others at ease, while learning a bit about them which you can use to introduce them to others. Be sincere.
9. Don't be shy ;)
My best Ice Breaker: top 3 icebreakers:
- If I'm at a formal networking event: Smile and walk right up to someone standing alone and say "hi, my name is Tanya, what brings you here?" Its classic, but it works.
- If I'm at a bar or a party, the best thing to do is ask how you know the host, I genuinely like to know anyway!
- When I change it up: when I see someone that really stands out and has great style, I will definitely say something about their outfit that I like. Who doesn't like a compliment?
10. Engage & Laugh Questions
My best Ice Breaker: You see a friend/client talking with someone you want to know.
Hi "friend" small comment, and this is? extending your hand. They introduce themselves. "So you know "friend", tell me, what is the most exciting thing about "friend"? This moves the focus to "friend", starts the conversation on a positive, tells new person you are a positive person and does things others do not do. Now "friend" owes you one, new person is far more open to conversation.
Risky, not really, landed big accounts
11. Be Positive, Perceptive, True
My best Ice Breaker: A simple 5W or H statement which is positive, perceptive and true is an easy icebreaker. Where did you get that stunning scarf? Who cuts your hair, it looks great. Asking about the other person puts them in the position to know the answer. Question + Response = Communication + Listen/Respond = Conversation. Act as a host (even if you're not) to put others at ease, while learning a bit about them which you can use to introduce them to others. Be sincere.
12. Compliments go a long way
My best Ice Breaker: I am always nervous at networking events. I find that complimenting a person on their shoes, tie etc. breaks the ice for me. I also find that if they have a hand held device in their hands, I will mention something about mines what I love about it, my favorite features that breaks the ice as well. There are people that are just as nervous as I am and is waiting for someone to say something that they are comfortable talking about. Technology usually gets me a great response 95% of the time.
13. Just Say Hi
My best Ice Breaker: Oldie but goodie! Just say "Hi!" and go from there. I don't know anyone who doesn't like a warm and friendly smile, followed by a "Hello". Make small talk. Ask what products are theirs and about inspiration. The best thing to do is listen and make sure they know you are not just interested in spreading the word about your stuff, you would like to know more about what they do. Made all the difference in my first Handmade Holiday experience!
14. Put the Net in Networking
My best Ice Breaker: Make the most of those holiday parties by finding out beforehand who will be there, then prepare. That doesn't mean buttonholing someone you want to meet and forcing a business card on him. It means making a great impression by having something very interesting to say, and casually mentioning your pitch if the situation presents itself. You'll get that introduction and conversation if you are prepared, arrive early, and put yourself where you can see guests arrive.
15. Awful clients
My best Ice Breaker: I do a lot of networking, so for me it’s not just about business connections—I want to have fun as well. I try to bring up memorable exchanges with people I meet as networking events, like asking about the weirdest request the person has received, or what their most difficult type of client has been. It can be a great way to blow off steam, and an interesting horror story can make your memorable when you do your networking followup.
16. Don't Be a Networking "Yahoo!"
My best Ice Breaker: 1. Give something of value. NOT your company brochure! I offer a free training video to explain how I, specifically, help my ideal clients solve their problems. This builds trust.
2. When someone asks a question, I quickly answer it and end with, "But tell me about you!" It's all about THEM and when they are talking, you can find a need to help fulfill.
3. If your ideal client begins with, "Anyone who..." it's no good. Drill down so you can leave them with a specific picture of a person.
17. Why Lie?
My best Ice Breaker: Just say, "Hi, I'm Steve. What can you do to help my career?"
18. Schmooze-a-palooza
My best Ice Breaker: 1- Avoid your buddy! While you may have friends attending the same event, being joined at the hip with your wing-woman will ensure you don't stand out as an individual.
2- Be a good mimic. As you echo back a similar tone of voice and key buzzwords that the other person is using, you start to speak in a way which he/she understands and puts the other person at ease.
3- Be sincere. The goal of networking is to create memorable connections that can build into long-term relationships.
19. I'm Timothy. What's your name?
My best Ice Breaker: Look for someone standing alone. Go up and introduce yourself. That person will be happy to have someone to talk to; you won't feel alone either.
Simple questions: What's your connection to this event? What brought you here? People like to talk about themselves. Let 'em talk!
20. It's all in the name!
My best Ice Breaker: My name is Tabitha Jean Naylor. Tabitha, like the daughter on "Bewitched." Jean, like "I Dream of Jeanie." It's a unique name that I use to my advantage by always introducing myself by my full name. I joke around and tell people that my parents clearly watched too much TV when they were younger. It's a GREAT icebreaker.
My advice? Be creative in your approach. That uniqueness will set you apart from the rest - which is what will make you memorable out of a sea of other people.
21. Break the ice-don't fall thru
My best Ice Breaker: Successful icebreaking means being a bit different. Don't ask what everyone else is asking. Instead, personalize your comments: "You seem to fit in, no matter who you're talking to. You must be in sales." Compliments are welcomed ways to get a conversation going.
Successful icebreaking also means asking questions that reflect a thoughtful, insightful, interesting you. To illustrate, "What kind of music would match the event tonight?" Or, "If our host were a tv channel, what would he be?"
22. The Gung-HO Events Calendar
My best Ice Breaker: When going to a networking event where you know very few or no people, you can ask one simple question that will get you around the entire room. "Can you introduce me to one person you know?" You avoid the awkwardness of entering in an existing conversation, also people will be more interested in speaking with you when someone they know and trust introduces you. Side Note: If you don't know a soul at the event, call the host ahead of time and ask them.
23. Keep it Simple
My best Ice Breaker: Keep it simple - "Hi, I'm Kane, what's your name?" is as plain and honest as it gets. Everything after that should be focused on learning more about the person (hint: that involves listening). If you're at an event with a speaker then it's easy - you can discuss the presentation. The rest is outlined in "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie. Read that before you go to another chamber of commerce mixer.
24. Love your necklace
My best Ice Breaker: Or your necktie, suit coat, earrings, shoes — anything that catches my eye. Why? Because if there's something that appeals to me about the way your present yourself, it's a signal that there's a connection. And that makes me want to know more about you and your business.
25. Be Real. Be Really Engaged.
My best Ice Breaker: Show up. As you are. Engage. Exactly as you are. Listen more than you speak. Hear what people have to say. Put your agenda last. As in, don't have an agenda. Show up.
What's the actual tip? Imagine the energy in the room like a big white ball that lights up in the hands of whomever is speaking. Watch the big white energy ball bounce around the room, remaining with whomever speaks the most. Be the person who takes the ball and passes it to others, listening when they are one speaking.
26. Always Be Ready!
My best Ice Breaker: Always be prepared to market your brand in the most opportune and inopportune times meaning, anywhere, any time, and to anyone. From the corporate elevator to the produce aisle at the market, always walk through your open door of opportunity. Initiate a natural introduction; you never want to sound like a scripted recording. Always listen to the needs of the people; if you meet their need, you will make a sale! If people remember how much you care, they will remember who you are.
27. Infomerical intro
My best Ice Breaker: I pitch myself as though I’m in an infomercial: “Do you suffer from repulsive frustration & anger? Plagued with uncontrollable outbursts of rage? You need Janet Pfeiffer’s The Secret Side of Anger! In only 20 minutes a day, you can shed unwanted anger, eliminate unsightly aggression & shape your way to a more serene you. Order now! But wait, there’s more! If you order within the next 10 minutes…” It really gets people’s attention. They always want to know more about what I do.
28. A Winning Trifecta
My best Ice Breaker: 1. HAVE A GOOD WINGMAN: I use the "Have you met Ted?" Intro when my wingman and I enter a group. It gives him + you immediate credibility.
2. HAVE ONE FUNNY STORY TO SHARE: It will make you memorable for more than just a business card.
3.OVERTIP THE BARTENDER: A $50 when you first walk in will ensure you and your potential clients NEVER have to wait. Shows them you know how to get things done.
29. Network Shmetwork!
My best Ice Breaker: We used to call it "meeting people" and "socializing," and it was much more relaxed. "Networking" even has "work" in the name! I try to truly enjoy myself at these functions. I walk in smiling and head to where most people congregate: the food area. I find something yummy, bite in and comment to someone near me. "Have you tried these? They're great!" Ice broken! Just have fun, and people will naturally gravitate to you. Ask people questions & really listen to their answers.
30. Ask, Don't Tell!
My best Ice Breaker: 1. What wish would you like the Networking Fairy to grant you today?
2. If this were your MasterMind Group, what problem would you have them work on for you today?
3. What do you do that makes you different from your competition: unique and worthy of attention?
4. Tell me about how you apply your expertise and valuable experience to your field.
31. Put the puzzle pieces together
My best Ice Breaker: One of my favorite ice breakers is throwing what I like to call a "problem solving party" I ask each participant to register for the event and list a challenge they are having. The challenges are then posted on the event page. When guests arrive at the event, they are actively looking for someone else to help solve the problem. Saying, "Nice to meet you, I think I can help solve your problem" makes for a great ice breaker!
32. Networking for Introverts
My best Ice Breaker: Walking into a networking event filled with people you don’t know can be intimidating. Everyone is laughing and having a good time. Everyone, that is but you. You wish you were home watching TV. When that happens take a minute to scan the room. You’ll always find one or two people standing alone, looking around and hoping someone will rescue them. You be that person. Walk over, smile, hold out your hand and introduce yourself. You’ve just made their night. And each time will be easier.
33. Why break when you can join?
My best Ice Breaker: I have always found it easiest to "break" ice by merging into a natural conversation. If no natural conversations are occurring, a topic relevant to the surroundings, the weather, the season or the upcoming holidays are always ongoing conversations in a person's mind. For example instead of saying "Hi, I'm Dhenu Savla and an immigration attorney," I would rather say "Wow, great crowd here today, right?" and start from there.
34. It's All About Them
My best Ice Breaker: Until you know more about the person you're talking to, you can't know what they need to hear. The most interesting people are the most interested. That's why I break the ice by learning as much as I can about people I meet BEFORE I tell my story. My favorite question to ask: What are you most proud of having accomplished in your work, profession, career? They just light up. If they're a prospect, I make an appointment where I have their full attention and can tailor my message to them.
35. Melt the Ice
My best Ice Breaker: Ask them if they've been to this event before. You might learn something but it's basic conversation that starts the ball rolling! If they don't give you a nice answer, move on- there are plenty of people to network with who will answer questions!
36. Catch their attention!
My best Ice Breaker: When asked what I do, I start with “I’m a Food Mood Expert & nutritionist” - this piques their interest “Oh really, that sounds interesting…tell me more”
First I catch their attention with an interesting fact and then I say what I do: “Well, did you know that over 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, and that the incidence is on the rise? I help women find natural solutions for anxiety using food and nutrients. Hi, I’m Trudy Scott”.
37. Complement Timing
My best Ice Breaker: When I approach a stranger at a networking event, I use the compliment. I go to the person and say something nice about what they are wearing or a behavior. Excuse me, I noticed your beautiful shoes and I had to ask you about them or Excuse me I couldn't help but notice how popular you are at this event so I wanted to introduce myself. Complimenting a behavior (gracefulness e.g) or an action shows that you are paying attention and engaged. Then simply say your name and go from there.
38. Know Yourself
My best Ice Breaker: Remember who you are and what you know. Ask questions of others that play to your strengths. For instance, if you’re a runner, ask if they are. Proceed with good energy.
39. Worst/best ways to network
My best Ice Breaker: Worst tactic: Walk up to someone, look at the name badge, decide if the credentials fit your needs. If not, look over the person's shoulder for a better opportunity and move on.
Best Tactics: Find someone alone, introduce yourself and say, "I haven't seen you here before. Welcome. What brings you here today?"
"I've seen you here before and have been curious to meet you."
Introduce yourself and say, "I noticed we seem to be wearing the same college rings (or tie or shoes, etc)."
40. Get Curious!
My best Ice Breaker: Making small talk won't feel awkward if you keep the focus off of you and onto them. Ask if they're a member of the group you're both attending. Or how they know the host. Or if they've heard the speaker before or been to the venue before. Easy-to-answer questions break the ice and provide an opening for additional conversation. Find someone standing alone. They'll appreciate the company and be most receptive to your questions. Finally, relax! We all feel the same way in these situations.
41. What Are You Working On?
My best Ice Breaker: Just a little change in phrasing can make a big difference: at networking events, most people ask, 'What do you do?' But by asking 'What are you working on?' you give new contacts an opportunity to talk about current projects, where they need help and other jumping off points that are great for creating an opening that allows you tell that new contact how you can help him. If you're fast at adapting an elevator pitch, this approach makes landing new business easy!
Ok so who doesn't get a bit nervous walking into a room when you don't know very many people, or even worse, not a soul? I know I do! Networking events can get a bad wrap just thinking about them right? I love meeting new people, but do admit that I find it a lot easier (and less nerve wracking) at a dinner party when a seasoned host is a master at mixing and mingling the right guests. And of course, a cocktail usually helps loosen up the crowd! I like to think I am fairly practiced at walking up to strangers, and yes, I do sometimes practice in the mirror to polish a few new ice breakers of my own! 
Sarah, You have done it again! Awesome post full of great ideas. Thanks for a year-full of great stuff, Sarah! Merry Christmas from Marnie!
I am very new at networking. These are great suggestions. I always feel awkward.
Thanks again.
[...] My friend, Sarah Shaw, has a GREAT blog and this week posted 41 Best Ice Breakers. [...]
As someone who dreads networking and talking to strangers, these were very helpful. I could read about a hundred more of them.
Great advice – will try some of these ideas at the next chamber meeting
I love #36 and 37, great advice. Get a stranger’s attention by standing out from the crowd.
[...] Best Ice Breakers – The Entreprenette GazetteDec 13, 2011 … Ok so who doesn’t get a bit nervous walking into a room when you don’t know very many people, or even worse, not a soul? I know I do! [...]