Best Ice Breakers

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!

Written by Sarah Shaw

There are 7 comments

Marnie says:

December 13, 2011 at 10:22 am

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!

Reply

Leslie says:

December 13, 2011 at 2:22 pm

I am very new at networking. These are great suggestions. I always feel awkward.

Thanks again.

Reply

12 Days of Christmas: Day 6 « Marnie's Blog says:

December 18, 2011 at 12:26 am

[…] My friend, Sarah Shaw, has a GREAT blog and this week posted 41 Best Ice Breakers. […]

Reply

Tony says:

December 22, 2011 at 9:27 am

As someone who dreads networking and talking to strangers, these were very helpful. I could read about a hundred more of them.

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Steve says:

April 30, 2012 at 4:53 pm

Great advice – will try some of these ideas at the next chamber meeting

Reply

Charlie says:

May 10, 2012 at 8:58 am

I love #36 and 37, great advice. Get a stranger’s attention by standing out from the crowd.

Reply

Icebreakers favorite | Aamigostravel says:

May 22, 2012 at 10:11 pm

[…] 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! […]

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