Going to a major networking event is not entirely the same thing as walking into a single’s bar and trying to hook up with somebody, but the similarities are there. Walking up to a complete stranger and trying to start a conversation with them is awkward if nothing else. Even so, networking is a crucial part of getting a business off the ground. You need to know how to approach people and communicate with them in a way that feels natural. If you can’t, the only thing on their mind will be how they can get you to walk away from them without seeming too rude about it. Here are some sales tips that you can take advantage of. These opening lines will make it simpler to approach people during a networking event. The specific phrases are not as important as the ideas behind them, so remember this.

Talk About Fun

When you meet somebody who you think will be able to help you, the last thing that you want to talk about is business. This might seem awkward at a business networking event, but it is the truth. It is much more important to get them talking about things that they enjoy doing. When they do this, they start to feel a little bit of the positive feelings that come with actually doing the things that they enjoy, and they enjoy speaking with you. Here are some examples:

1. What do you do for fun?
2. What are your hobbies?
3. What do you do to relax?
4. What do you do other than work?

It’s About Them

When you got to a networking event, it is not about trying to find something for yourself, it is about trying to help other people. Keep this in mind when you approach anybody that you think you could develop a working relationship with. They want to know what you can do for them, and if you start off right out the bat trying to determine what services you could provide for them, they will be pleased.

5. What can I do to help you?
6. How do you think my skills could assist you?
7. What type of projects are you thinking about?

Set a “Date”

This is less of an opening line than a crucial part of the conversation. At a networking event, the last thing that you want to do is try to have a long conversation with somebody during the event. There are tons of other people trying to bring the conversation to a close so that they can start their own conversations. You should view the networking event as a place to get in touch with people and set “dates” to talk with them again in the future.

8. I’d like to meet again for some advice.
9. We should talk again later so I can get some feedback.
10. I’d like to hear more of what you have to say.