Just left a networking lunch downtown and the vibe felt totally off

I went to that new spot on 104th Street for a business lunch last Thursday. The room was packed, but everyone was just talking to the people they came with. I walked around for 20 minutes and not one person started a real conversation. It felt more like a social club than a place to build connections. Has anyone else hit a local event recently that just didn't deliver for actual networking?

3 comments

3 Comments

jesse_williams6212d ago

Yeah that "social club" feeling is the worst. I had that happen at a chamber mixer last month. I started just asking people about the weirdest business card they'd ever gotten, it broke the ice and we actually swapped contacts.

piperm3811d ago

That's a great idea, @jesse_williams62. I've had luck just asking people what they're hoping to get out of the event, it feels less forced.

hannahm3911d ago

It reminds me of how we're all trying to skip the small talk now. Asking a direct, slightly offbeat question is way better than "so what do you do." I've found people open up more when you ask what they're excited about, not just their job title. What's the best question you've used to get past the awkward stage?