creative meetup tips?

Question

Hi ladies - I'm going to a networking-type meetup tomorrow night, and I only know one person. Any tips on breaking the ice with other ladies? I gotta widen my social/client circle. Thanks!

Victoria Crispo · Answer

I like to wear a 'conversation piece'- an interesting piece of jewelry or colorful accessory, and I also look out for those on other attendees. It helps me get into my comfort zone and ask one question that can lead to others, or will lead the other person to tell you a story.

Jassmine Riley · Answer

That's great Anne. I know it can be scary meeting up with strangers but it's important we widen our network. You should try bingo (but with spaces dealing with life). The person who wins have to go through and introduce themselves according to the covered spaces. 
Another icebreaker I love is Introduce Your Partner. You pair 2 people together(who don't know each other) They have 2-5 mins to get to know each other and then introduce their partner to the entire group. After that each group has to recall one thing about each individual in the other group. 
 
I hope all goes well!

Anonymous · Answer

EPILOGUE: Thanks so much, ladies - I did go to the meetup last night (with 'statement' earrings - thanks @VivaciouslyVictoria - and ended up knowing a couple of people! The group was established (e.g., they knew one another well), yet they were welcoming and interested in what I do. I did ask questions - thanks @evajannotta and @nancyjensen, and @jassmineriley, we had to introduce ourselves to at least two people, so bravo to you as well!

Eva Jannotta (she/her) · Answer

I LOVE meeting new people and making new friends! I recommend being curious—that's your best tool. So many people play wallflower-at-the-school-dance at networking events, waiting for OTHER people to make the first move. You'll have more fun/success if YOU make the first move. Compliment her outfit! Ask her her name! Ask if she's lived in the area for a while! Ask how she found out about the event!

One question I do not love is 'so what do you do?' To me, that question is aggressive when you've JUST met someone. I love small talk first to establish a connection, then to ask bigger questions about the person's work.

Nancy McSharry Jensen · Answer

Have 3 questions ready to go 1. what brings you here? 2. What are you looking to learn? 3. What’s the most interesting topic you’ve found in this area? These events are about building relationships so ask about them

Dawn S. Cross · Answer

Hi Anne.  Being an introvert, not knowing people has always been a struggle for me.  One thing I often do is join a small group (initially) and start by listening and then asking a question or two of the people in the group.  Keep in mind, most people, given the chance, will talk about themselves.  Others in the group will respond and there is your next opening - ask another question.  See if you can connect with one of the group and ask if you can follow-up with them later, and get their email or number.  Move to the next group and if you are lucky, someone in the new group knows someone in the other group or mentions something you were talking about in the first group (put those listening skills to work).

Key in to what people are saying, offer thoughts on what is being discussed.  This will allow another “in” and before you know it, you have made many connections.  Good luck and enjoy!

creative meetup tips?

You're invited.

See what women are sharing on Fairygodboss.