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Tips for Networking when Business Socialising

networkingHere's a posting on a topic we haven't covered before but one which is becoming increasingly important to business executives.

When attending a function or an event, it is never easy, even for native speakers, to go up to someone you do not know and develop a conversation. However, it is important to learn this skill so that you can network successfully and feel at ease with these types of surroundings.

This posting looks at some useful tips for networking and some standard expressions that you might possibly use in order to communicate effectively.

Conversation Tips (Networking)

1. Listen before jumping into a conversation. You may not want to deal with those people.

2. Make eye contact with one person in the group, smile and listen until they include you.

3. Introduce yourself when there is a pause in the conversation. You can always then bring out your name card.

4. If you have something relevant to add to a group's conversation, jump in then introduce yourself afterwards.

5. To initiate a conversation, you can talk about the situation, talk about yourself, or talk about the other person.

6. Avoid taboo topics (topics to avoid!):

  • discriminatory jokes
  • personal or sexual relationships
  • health
  • diets
  • personal tragedies
  • cost of anything personal
  • income
  • controversial topics like politics or religion
  • free advice from professionals
  • Overusing “I”

7. Don't blend; circulate. Spend five to seven minutes with each person or group. 8. Always remember to close a conversation. Shake hands and take your leave.


Useful Language for Networking Events

Opening Conversations

Hello, there. Nice to see you again.
It’s really hot today, isn’t it?
Hi, there. I don’t think we’ve met before, have we?
Hi. It’s a really interesting talk, isn’t it?
Hello there. I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m XXX.
Hello. You must be XXX. I’ve heard so much about you from XXX.
Can I get you something to eat/drink?

Only appropriate if you know they smoke:

Excuse me, do you have a lighter?
Would you like a cigarette?

Keeping a Conversation Going

You just mentioned XXX, didn’t you? I know …….
Is that right?
Really? Could you tell me/explain some more?
That’s a great story! Do you have any others?
That’s amazing! I have ………
You said you were from XXX, is that right? I have always wanted to go there. What’s it like?
You were saying XXX.
Going back to what you just said, I think ….
Would you mind telling me about …..?
I’ve heard from XXX that you …..

Ending a Conversation Politely

I’m really sorry, but I must be going.
It’s been great/fantastic talking to you, but I’m sorry to say I have to go now.
I’m afraid I’m going to have to cut the conversation short as I have an important meeting. It was great talking with you. Hope to see you again soon.
I’m terribly sorry, but I’m really tired and must get up early for work tomorrow.
You wouldn’t mind if I left now, would you? It’s just that I have to get back home to do some work.
I’d better go and introduce myself to XXXX. It was nice talking with you.
Excuse, I must leave you. I have to meet the other guests. But it’s been lovely chatting with you. Let’s catch up later.


If networking is a part of your job, try to become familiar with some of the phrases above.


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