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You walk into a networking event, drink in hand, scanning the room for a friendly face, when suddenly, your mind goes blank. What do you say? If this sounds painfully familiar, don’t worry, we’ve all been there, though some are better at hiding it than others.

But take heart, because great networking isn’t about being the most confident or outgoing person in the room, but about asking thoughtful questions that elicit meaningful conversations. The good news is that you can learn to network so you no longer feel lost or awkward at these often overwhelming workplace events.

In the following blog, we provide 15 conversation starters for professional networking at both in-person and online events to help you make lasting, valuable connections.

Choosing the Right Conversation Starter

The trick to great networking isn’t just having something to say. It’s choosing the right thing to say. A thoughtful conversation starter can turn a quick introduction into a meaningful connection. The key is to be intentional and genuine in how you open the conversation.

Here are a few simple tips to get started.

Ask open-ended questions — if you want to encourage a meaningful conversation, make sure you ask them. Open-ended questions require more than a yes-or-no answer and invite the recipient to share stories, opinions, and experiences, making the exchange more natural and engaging.
Avoid generic questions like “What do you do?“— while it’s a common (lazy) icebreaker, it can quickly lead to rehearsed answers. Try engaging with more curiosity by asking, “What inspired you to get into your line of work?” or “What projects are you most excited about right now?”
Show genuine curiosity — people can tell when you’re truly interested in them. Listen actively, make eye contact, and respond with follow-up questions. After all, the goal is to build rapport, not just exchange information.
Adapt to the event type — what works at a casual after-work event might not suit a formal conference. At a professional gathering, you could comment on a speaker or an industry topic; at a relaxed catch-up, something lighter like “What brings you along tonight?” works well.

When you’re genuinely curious, you’ll find that conversations come more naturally. Try to focus on the other person, so networking feels less like small talk and more like the beginning of a valuable professional relationship.

1. “What brought you to this event?”

When to use: at conferences, social networking events, or workshops.

Why: It’s a friendly, easy conversation starter that shows interest and helps you learn what people are hoping to get out of the event.

2. “How did you get started in your industry?”

When to use: Once you’ve exchanged names and a bit of background.

Why: Invites a good yarn about their career journey and helps build a genuine connection.

3. “What’s been the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?”

When to use: When you want to move past small talk and hear about their work.

Why: Keeps things positive and helps uncover shared interests or passions.

4. “I saw your company recently did ___. How was that experience?”

When to use: When chatting online (like on LinkedIn) or if you’ve done some research before an event and want to connect with a specific person or organisation.

Why: Shows you’ve done your homework and makes your approach feel thoughtful and genuine.

5. “What’s one skill you believe is crucial in your career right now?”

When to use: During a deeper chat about industry trends or changes.

Why: Sparks interesting conversation around professional development opportunities.

6. “I’m looking for ways to move forward in my career. How do you stay current in your field?”

When to use: When talking with someone more experienced or in a mentoring role.

Why: Shows you have a growth mindset and often elicits helpful advice or resources.

7. “Have you been to events like this before?”

When to use: At the start of a networking event, especially if you’ve just met.

Why: A light, easy icebreaker that can lead to tips or shared experiences.

8. “What do you enjoy most about what you do?”

When to use: Once the conversation is initiated, and you want to keep it upbeat.

Why: Brings out enthusiasm and helps you learn what motivates them.

9. “Who else do you think I should meet today?”

When to use: During group networking events or conferences.

Why: A great way to expand your network, and people usually enjoy making introductions.

10. “I’d love to stay in touch. What’s the best way to connect?”

When to use: As you’re wrapping up a chat or when the event is coming to a close.

Why: A natural, polite way to end on a good note and set up future follow-up (LinkedIn, email, or coffee catch-up).

Tips for Using Conversation Starters Effectively

Networking conversation starters are an excellent foundation, but to really stand out at your next event, keep the following tips in mind. When you understand how to network, you’ll boost your confidence and leave a good first impression.

Listen more than you talk.
Read the room and adapt your tone and energy.
Have a few stories ready about your own work so you can reciprocate.
Follow up within 24–48 hours (LinkedIn message or a quick email).

Conversation Starters for Online Networking

Networking online, whether on LinkedIn, professional forums or virtual events, is different to in-person conversations. You don’t have body language or tone to rely on, so your message needs to sound genuine and personal. Start by showing genuine interest in a person’s work or opinions before getting to what you’re hoping to achieve from the interaction. It’s about starting a professional conversation that’s mutually beneficial, rather than sending a cold message.

The following conversation starters work perfectly for LinkedIn or virtual events.

11. I really enjoyed your recent post on ___. I’d love to hear more about it.”

When to use: When you’ve come across someone’s post, article, or comment that genuinely interests you.

Why it works: Shows you’ve taken the time to read their content and appreciate their point of view. It opens the door for a thoughtful, two-way conversation beyond surface-level comments.

12. “I see we share connections at (company or industry). How has your experience been there?”

When to use: When reaching out to a new contact on LinkedIn or after connecting online.

Why it works: Creates instant common ground by pointing out shared networks. A friendly, non-intrusive way to start chatting about their workplace or professional experience.

13. “I’m attending this virtual event too. What made you decide to join?”

“When to use: During or just before a webinar, online panel, or virtual networking session.

Why it works: Establishes shared context right away and makes it easy to start a casual, relevant chat. It’s also a nice segue into discussing the event’s interests, goals, or key takeaways.

14. “I’ve been exploring (topic/skill) recently. I noticed you’ve done some great work in that area. Any advice for someone starting out?”

When to use: When connecting with someone more experienced in a field or skill you’re developing.

Why it works: Demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and respect for their expertise. It’s a subtle way to seek mentorship or guidance without coming across as pushy.

15. “I noticed your expertise in (topic). I’m curious what resources (book, article, or podcast) shaped the way you approach it?”

When to use: When you follow up after engaging with content or after a conversation at an in-person event.

Why it works: It works well because it doesn’t rely on in-person energy. It’s simple, genuine curiosity that invites a thoughtful response.

When you learn how to network successfully, you’ll be surprised by how many new opportunities come your way, often when you least suspect them! The right conversation starter can turn a quick chat into a lasting and valuable connection, which is what networking is really about. All you need is networking skills, a bit of curiosity, and a genuine interest, and you’ll be starting conversations that go somewhere in no time!

Want to build stronger networking skills? Explore our micro-credential, Develop and Maintain Networks and Collaborative Partnerships, designed to help you build and maintain strong networks and partnerships with key people and organisations. Talk to one of our helpful Course Consultants today on 1300 76 2221, via Live Chat, or Enquire Online for more information.

According to the Oxford dictionary, networking is “the action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts”. It doesn’t always have to be business-oriented — hence, the words “social contacts” in this definition.

According to LinkedIn, it can be as simple as “making new friends”. It can be a way of getting better acquainted with others outside of seeking success or professional gain. Along the way, it can also give you insights into yourself and your future life and career goals. Here are some tips on how to network successfully.

The Life Skills That Matter website cites that meeting new people is a necessity if you want to create a lifestyle that revolves around more meaningful work on your own terms. Interacting with like-minded people can not only help you make changes in your life but can also dramatically improve your chances of success. It cites three primary “mindsets” — the established set of attitudes someone holds — in terms of building connections.

The Networking Mindset

In terms of how to network, the goal here is essentially to view other people as “transactions”. This means you want something from them — a sale, a job, money or a favour. So, often it means the connection is self-interested and not genuine. Many find networking uncomfortable as they feel like they:

Are always asking for something.
Don’t know what they want, so don’t know who they really want to connect with.
Are afraid of rejection.
Believe networking is all about meeting as many people as possible, so feel guilty about meeting an imaginary quota.

The Friend Mindset

The goal of making friends is essentially about feeling a “connection” with someone and sharing mutual interests. And the best part is that you can be yourself! It’s also about “feeling” a connection rather than “making” one. And they are very different. When you meet someone, you aren’t necessarily looking for an agenda. The foundation of friendship is trust, not a transaction. When you meet someone you could consider a friend, you aren’t guiding the conversation towards a sale or hunting down a new contact. You are simply enjoying the connection.

The Community Mindset

The goal of building a community is to “ feel both connected and collaborative with a group of like-minded people. You support each other to help each other succeed”. This is about building a professional community based on mutually beneficial relationships so you can help each other grow over the long term.

10 Ways to Network (But Not in the Most Obvious Sense)

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Tap into your existing network

Before searching outside your current circle of contacts, start closer to home. Let everyone know you are interested in expanding your network. Several people in your network likely know someone who knows someone who knows someone that would be a good introduction for you. Ever heard of six degrees of separation?

Don’t cling to old contacts

On the flip side, another essential part of how to network is letting go of old contacts, particularly if they aren’t giving you the type of friendship you are looking for. Finding new contacts is an investment and a slow and steady process, but it will have enormous benefits.

Be yourself

As Albert Einstein once said, “In a world where you can be anything, be yourself”. People tend to give off a trustworthy and positive energy when talking about things they are interested in or passionate about. And authenticity is vital in these situations.

Be interested and not just interesting

This theory revolves around making a concerted effort to get to know the other person. You can achieve this by being fully present in the conversation and listening as much as you speak. Knowing how to network in this sense is understanding that it’s a two-way street and successful networking occurs when both parties benefit. It’s also about asking questions. Asking more questions can build emotional intelligence and lead to better soft skills, which are key to building interpersonal relationships, communicating better and connecting with others.

Focus on feeling connected

The quality of your relationships trumps quantity in terms of “making connections”. Those at the core of your relationships will serve as your advocates and vastly amplify your message by not just talking about you but your community and beyond.

Find a common interest

According to the psychologist, best-selling author and the “Godfather of influence” Robert Cialdini, the best way of making personal connections is to figure out what you have in common with them — and it doesn’t have to be work-related! It could be as simple as being dog lovers, sharing the same sports team or enjoying the same lifestyle or health pursuits. Connections are created through shared experiences, so can also build trust over the long term.

Give to receive

Another tip for how to network and potentially make new friends is to show your individuality and stand out from the crowd. Being memorable can also involve offering your help and support (kindness is king!) and then demonstrating your interest in doing so, not just talking about it.

Actively engage

For those of us who are a little more introverted, place yourself in the “path of conversation”. This can be daunting, but it is about putting yourself in positions where you will actively have to talk to people. It can include seeking out groups or associations you are interested in, volunteering for organisations aligned with your goals, and/or engaging with social media platforms with like-minded people. LinkedIn is a particularly powerful tool (being one of the world’s largest professional networks). A good tip is to search for possible contacts and then send them a personalised message with an introduction and a reason for reaching out.

Take it slow

Forming connections takes time and they aren’t typically created overnight. In fact, experts say it takes from 40 to 60 hours spent together in the first few weeks after meeting people to form a casual friendship. The transition from a casual friend to a solid friend takes even more — between 80 and 100 hours!

Think long-term

Many of us have a friend or colleague who we haven’t seen for months. But when we do connect, it’s as if we’d made contact yesterday. Sound familiar? Strong relationships can last forever, and networking can be the start of such relationships. Creating connections based on shared goals and interests can also boost positivity and productivity. Plus, you’ll enhance your personal and professional life, as everyone wants to surround themselves with people they like. Why not make that you?

How to network

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