Hi folks,

I’d love to learn some networking tricks from you all.

When attending an industry or academic conference—especially when you’re the only person from your team or company there—how do you successfully mingle and connect with others?
I sometimes feel a bit awkward during networking sessions, especially when everyone is standing around with wine and many people seem to already know each other. How to approach and join a group conversation without feeling intrusive? More in comments…

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It is much easier to strike up a conversation at the bar while waiting to get a drink ( even if it's just water) or at the food table. Joining a group if you haven't met anyone in the group is tougher. Mentioning a current sporting event is always a good ice breaker for a group. So do we have Spurs or Nix fans in this group? But in general, read the body language and judge the conversation. Don't interrupt and don't try to muscle in. Easier to pick off a straggler.

Finding another solo person not engaged. Introduce yourself, ask about them and what they do.....you are there to network.

It helps to have goals in mind. Either company. Job, area of expertise. Know who you are trying to meet. ( at least in general terms) Then you don't waste too much time talking to one person just because it's easy.

It helps to know who is attending. Always prep some questions about companies with whom you want to engage. And who you know that works there. Most networking events have name tags that include their company. JOHN, I'm Bruce. I seee your at blah, I see you guy are........

If you're at a conference, ask what they thought about a speaker and mention one interesting take away you got from the talk.

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Thank you!

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Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated:

* How do you start conversations with strangers?
* How do you join groups that are already talking?
* What are some good icebreakers?
* Any mindset tips for making networking feel more natural?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!

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