Speed networking is like speed dating for your career - a high-energy way to make meaningful connections quickly. But with only a few minutes per interaction, how do you stand out and make those connections last? It all starts with asking the right questions.
By the way, we collected the best icebreakers for any event you visit.
Source: Impact Hub Zurich
Speed networking is a modern way to expand your professional network in a short amount of time. It involves brief, focused conversations where participants exchange business cards, discuss their work, and establish professional connections. It’s fast, and it's a great way to meet a variety of people across industries.
Speed networking events offer an excellent opportunity to expand your circle, learn from others, and explore different career paths. They are a chance to stay updated with industry trends, meet new peers, and maybe even find a mentor. But to make the most of these opportunities, you need to be strategic about how you approach each conversation.
Before the event, it’s crucial to decide what you hope to achieve. Are you looking for advice, insight into an industry, or just trying to meet new people? Defining your goals will help you set your questions to achieve those objectives, ensuring that your conversations are guided, intentional, and ultimately productive.
Not every question will work for every person.
Decide ahead of time which types of questions to ask different attendees. Perhaps for someone in a similar role, you focus on shared challenges, while for senior leaders, you ask for career advice. This plan can make your networking experience much more meaningful, as you’re more likely to create a genuine connection rather than just adding another contact to your list.
A great icebreaker can set the tone for an engaging conversation. Here are a few simple but effective questions to start with:
These questions are open-ended, allowing the other person to share a bit about themselves without feeling like they’re being interrogated. They also create a welcoming space for meaningful conversation.
The right questions can transform a brief interaction into a memorable connection. Here are a few effective questions to consider:
These questions help you go beyond the surface-level small talk and find common ground quickly.
Sometimes, it’s the fun questions that people remember the most. They add personality to the interaction and help you stand out:
Adding humour or light-hearted questions can create a relaxed atmosphere and make the exchange enjoyable.
If you meet someone you think could be a mentor, you want to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate your genuine interest in learning from them:
These questions show that you respect their experience and value their insight.
In corporate settings, it can be helpful to ask more specific questions related to the industry or a person’s expertise. This demonstrates that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in their field:
Meeting senior leaders can be intimidating, but it’s also an incredible opportunity. To make the most of these moments, do some research beforehand - find out about their professional journey and recent accomplishments. Thoughtful questions can spark meaningful conversations:
In virtual settings, consider using technology to your advantage. You can customise chat functions or breakout rooms creatively, and on top of that you could also use visual aids or props to make your introduction memorable and add a personal touch to your interactions.
Networking doesn’t end when the event is over. Follow up with personalised messages or emails referencing specific things from your conversation. This not only helps reinforce the connection but also shows your genuine interest in building a professional relationship.
The goal of speed networking is not just to exchange business cards but to build meaningful connections that can lead to future opportunities. Thought-provoking, light-hearted, or industry-specific questions help uncover shared interests, making your interactions memorable and impactful. Remember, it’s not about collecting contacts - it’s about creating connections.
Ready to make an impression at your next speed networking event? Armed with these questions, you’ll be sure to stand out and make the most out of every minute.
In order to prepare properly for your next event, make sure to read following blogs:
✔️ How To Follow Up Effectively
✔️ How To Create Email Signature
✔️ How To Prepare for a Networking Event - 12 Best Tips For 2025
