6 Unconventional Icebreakers for Networking Events

6 Unconventional Icebreakers for Networking Events 6 Unconventional Networking Icebreakers for Your Next Networking EventDont blend into the crowd at your next fest. Instead, stand out with these unconventional networking icebreakers The hardest part of a networking event is drumming up the courage to sign up, get dressed, and make yourself get out the door. At least, thats the truth for some people. For others, the hard part doesnt come until youre there and faced with dozens if elend hundreds of strangers. Youre supposed to talk to them, but how?If youve ever done the simple Hi and handshake followed by 10 seconds of awkwardness, you probably wont be looking forward to that. There have to be some better approaches, right?Luckily, there are. If Hi and a handshake work for you, no problem youre a networking natural. If, however, you feel like you need an alternate approach to start and get a conversation flowing, these eight unconventional networking icebreakers may be for you.1. C ard tricksReally? Card tricks as an icebreaker? Yes, Ive seen this one in use. If you know a little magic or some simple card tricks, this can be an easy opener.Hi. Pick a cardYoull want to keep it simple so you can finish the trick and move the conversation forward. Its likely that the next words will be How did you learn to do that? or How did you do that? Just like that, you have a topic of conversation.Youll want to read the crowd a little before doing this, however. Not everyone is going to like a magic trick as a networking icebreaker. Look for people who are laughing, smiling, and seem relaxed.Tip Avoid any tricks that involve touching the other person (Hey, theres something behind your ear) or using something of theirs as a prop they have no reason to trust you yet.2. Come ready with triviaJust about everyone is fascinated by little bits of knowledge when theyre relevant. Do a little research before your event to find some great material. Here are a couple of ideasFacts abo ut the city where youre meeting. How was it settled? Whats the biggest money-making product? Is there a famous person in history who was born there?What building/business is hosting the event. Dig into the history and see if there are some great tidbits to share.Keep an eye on the news. Maybe theres a great nugget beyond those headlines you can share.Trivia is a great way to show that you can hold your own in a conversation and that you have some intelligence.Did you know that this building was completely burned down by the Great Chicago Fire? They rebuilt it in brick so that wouldnt happen againTip Practice your delivery. You want to sound fun and conversational, bedrngnis like a know-it-all.3. Give a complimentWho doesnt like to receive a well-placed compliment? If you see a person that youd like to talk to, look for anything that stands out in your eyes. Is she wearing really great shoes? Does he have a cool tie clip? Phone? Glasses? If they are wearing or carrying something that really jumps out to you, its likely that they want it to have that effect.You dont have to go into detail. Just smile and say I really like your glasses or whatever it is you want to compliment. This will naturally lead to conversation about where they got the item and possibly a return compliment. Boom the ice is broken.Dont believe me? Its been proven that receiving a compliment gives people the same sort of joy as being handed cash. Thats powerful stuffTip Stick to items like accessories or phones. Dont compliment anyone on their overall appearance or any body parts. Even complimenting a smile or eyes will come across like a pickup line.RelatedFresh Networking Conversation Starters for Your Next Holiday Party4. Ask for adviceThese networking icebreakers are especially easy if your event has a buffet or a drink menu. Ive never been here before. Whats their specialty? or Id like to try something new. Whats your favorite? can start off a conversation because theres always the chan ce that the person you ask is in the same boat as you. By asking, youve bridged the gap and now you have something to talk about. Perhaps you can discover whats on the menu together.Asking for help or advice makes you immediately approachable because youre putting the other person in a position of power. Youre acknowledging that you think they know mora than you about something. Everyone likes that.Tip Keep it simple. Ask a question relevant to the situation youre in, which is a networking event. Dont open with Should I have a 401K or an IRA? and stay away from personal advice like Is this a good color for me? Way too awkward.5. Out-of-the-box questionYou have to be a fairly outgoing person for these networking icebreakers, but youll really hear some interesting things if you do. If you start out with Where do you work? or What do you do? youll get the same stale, rehearsed answer that the other person has already given to a bunch of others at the event. But if you spring something new on them, you just might shock them into a smile.Hi. Whats your guilty-pleaaya song? Mines MmmBopOkay, that might be bit extreme, but in one fell swoop, youve surprised them. Studies have shown that people like to be surprised and it works great as a marketing tool. By adding your own guilty-pleasure song (or whatever youre asking), youve removed the pressure. They dont have to worry about being mocked for their answer because its not going to be sillier than MmmBop is it?If youre not quite that brave, make it easier with something like Whats your favorite movie?Tip Its a fine line between surprise and shock. Keep it light and fun. Music, books, TV, and films are easy targets. Politics and religion should be strictly off limits.6. Show your crazy sideFor this one, you may not have to say anything at all. Most networking events have name tags, right? Think about something fun and crazy that youve done. Have you bungee jumped off a bridge? Did you ride an ostrich in a race? Were yo u on a game show?If you have anything cool, fun, and surprising on your lifes resume, simply write it on your name tag Travis Davis Communications Specialist. I ran with the bullsIf you saw that name tag at an event, wouldnt you want to talk to Travis and hear about running with the bulls? It doesnt have to be anything grand, but it does have to be interesting.This networking icebreaking trick is extra effective because youre putting the tanzabend in the other persons court. As theyre wandering around wondering how to talk to people, theyll see your name tag. You just gave them the perfect opener.Tip Stick to the fun and crazy. This isnt confession time Travis Davis Communications Specialist. I once snuck into Disney World after hours may be a fun story but not for strangers.Remember, most of the people at your networking event are in the same boat as you. Theyre all hoping to break the ice and meet people, and most of them arent sure how to do it. If you do a little prep-work be forehand, you can make it easier for everyone. Not only will it make it easier for you to make some new contacts, but youll also be memorable thats a big win at any networking event.Click on the following link for more networking advice.Is your resume ready for your next networking event? We can check with our free resume critiqueRecommended ReadingThe Ultimate Networking Guide for IntrovertsCareer Quiz What Networking Type Best Fits Your Personality?Taking Your Professional Network from 0 to 60 in Record TimeRelated Articles