13 Icebreaker Questions for When You’re Nervous About Networking
13 Icebreaker Questions for When You’re Nervous About Networking
Networking can be nerve-wracking, especially at large events or when you're meeting new people in your industry. Instead of focusing on what you can get out of a conversation, it's often more effective to ask meaningful questions that nurture authentic connections. This way, you're not just exchanging business cards—you’re creating genuine relationships.
As we kick off 2025, let's start the year with a fresh approach to networking. Whether you’re meeting new people in your industry or expanding your professional circle, it’s important to focus on building authentic relationships rather than the pressure of asking for a job.
Here are 13 networking questions to help ease those nerves, guide your conversations, and build meaningful connections:
1. What are you hoping to take away from this event?
Understanding the other person’s goals for the event can lead to a more engaging conversation, and it can also help you identify areas of mutual interest.
2. When’s the last time you invested in yourself?
This question sparks reflection and can lead to discussions about personal growth, hobbies, or professional development.
3. What have you learned about yourself since working in the corporate space?
Many people enjoy reflecting on their personal and professional growth. It opens the door for deeper conversations about career development.
4. If you could have started any existing business, which one would it have been and why?
This is a great way to learn about someone's entrepreneurial mindset or passions, without being directly business-oriented.
5. What do you do when you need to find inspiration?
This reveals how the other person keeps motivated and how they deal with challenges.
6. What’s the last book you read or show you watched that you’d recommend?
Not only is this a great icebreaker, but it also gives you insight into the person's interests and could be a great lead for future discussions.
7. How do you prepare for such large conferences?
This question can be a helpful exchange of networking strategies, and you can learn about effective preparation techniques for big events.
8. What’s your favourite thing, skill, or quality about yourself?
This brings the conversation to a positive and self-reflective space, allowing for people to talk about their strengths and what makes them unique.
9. What don’t you like about networking events?
This question is a little more vulnerable but can help you understand potential discomforts others face in networking situations, opening the door for sharing advice or empathy.
10. What’s your career advice for your younger self?
People often love offering advice they wish they’d received, and you can gain valuable insights into their professional journey.
11. When’s the last time you took a risk and it paid off?
Risk-taking stories are not only inspiring, but they can show you the type of decision-making someone values and how they handle challenges.
12. How do you decompress after socialising?
Networking can be exhausting, so hearing how others unwind can help build a more personal connection and reveal their self-care practices.
13. Can you share your top networking tip?
This is a great way to exchange wisdom with fellow networkers. It can help you improve your own strategies and offer tips that others can use.
Useful Tip: If you’re looking for more ways to improve your networking strategy, check out my book Unprepared to Entrepreneur for more advice on how to thrive in your career while building authentic relationships, or watch my video on successful professional networking tips.
Takeaway
These 13 questions are perfect to use at your next networking event, conference, or when reaching out to new people in your industry.
Key Piece of Advice
Focus on building genuine relationships rather than transactional ones. Networking is not just about who can help you—it’s about creating mutually beneficial connections that last. Start by offering value to others, and the right opportunities will follow.
So What?
By incorporating these questions into your networking strategy, you're setting the stage for meaningful conversations and connections. The more intentional you are in your approach, the easier it will be to build authentic relationships and seize new opportunities.
Sonya Barlow is an award-winning entrepreneur, presenter and author with over 100K followers. She hosts her self-titled YouTube show "The Sonya Barlow Show", authored the business book "Unprepared to Entrepreneur" and runs a business inclusion consultancy and networking app the "LMF Network". You can work with Sonya for campaigns, content and conversation. Connect via email - Hello@SonyaBarlow.Co.Uk.