Many times simply starting a conversation with someone can be the most challenging part of networking. Following are some simple statements that will help you begin:

• How long have you been involved in this group/association?
  
  
• Do you attend many meetings like this?
  
  
• What have you found to be most valuable about this group?
  
  
• Are you on any of the committees?
  
  
• Tell me about your company, Mary. What do you do? Who are your clients/customers/patients/members?
  
  
• Is your company national?
  
  
• Are you in a growth mode right now? Tell me more.
  
  
• How many employees do you have? (Discuss challenges of managing employees)
  
  
• Isn't your industry going through ..(something you know of related to a trend or issue in their industry)?
  
  
• How long have you worked for XYZ Corporation?
  
  
• What made you decide to go into (your profession)?

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