Lean in…let’s be real here. Networking events can sometimes feel like diving into a sea of unfamiliar faces, but fear not! With the right icebreakers, you'll be making connections in no time.

The BIG DEAL team has been networking in the community for 18 years. If you are one of the many looking for the right words, download our free printable below with some great tips and questions you can borrow for your next networking event!

Here are seven tried-and-true conversation starters to help break the ice:

Free printable

​In the fast-paced business world, establishing and nurturing connections is often a key driver of success. Networking is no longer about exchanging business cards at a business event. It’s a strategic and integral part of building a thriving professional ecosystem.
 
Big Deal views networking as a building block within an overarching strategic plan. We’ve gathered some easy steps, tips, and insightful questions to help you become a master networker, breaking the ice and truly connecting with others!

The Significance of Business Networking

1. Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers: Networking is a bridge that connects professionals, breaking down barriers and fostering collaboration. It opens doors to opportunities that may not have been possible otherwise.
2. Knowledge Exchange: Networking allows for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and industry insights. Learning from others and staying informed can give your business a competitive edge.
3. Creating a Support System: Owning and operating a business can be challenging. Networking can build a support system of like-minded individuals who understand your journey and can offer guidance or mentorship.
4. Access to Resources: Whether it’s access to sponsorship funding, partnerships, or valuable skills - networking expands your resource pool.

 
Tips for Networking Success

1. Be Authentic: Real connections stem from authenticity. Be yourself, share your passions, and listen actively to others.
2. Set Clear Goals: What is it you would like to achieve through networking? Whether it’s finding new clients, collaborators, sponsors, or mentors, having a clear set of goals should guide your interactions and conversations.
3. Diversify Your Network: Make sure you are casting a wide net. Connect with professionals from various industries and backgrounds - even those who are way different than your own. These connections will enrich your perspective and broaden your opportunities.
4. Follow Up: Building new relationships requires effort. Follow up with your new contacts, express gratitude for their time, and nurture those connections over time.

30 Icebreaker Questions for Meaningful Connections
Arrive to your next networking event armed with some thought-provoking and conversation-building questions! You’ll establish a deeper connection and stronger rapport with a new contact if you move beyond the typical, “So what do you do?” questions. Here are some of our favorites:

1. What inspired you to pursue your current career?
2. Can you share a career highlight or achievement that you’re particularly proud of?
3. How do you stay updated on industry trends?
4. Any upcoming travel plans?
5. What brought you here today?
6. How do you two know each other?
7. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy week?
8. What are you reading currently?
9. What goals are you currently working towards, both personally and professionally?
10. What was your first job?
11. What’s one thing you’re excited about that’s coming up in 2024?
12. Tell me about your current role?
13. Tell me about yourself.
14. Have you been here before?
15. Do you mind recommending……
16. Have you worked on any exciting projects lately?
17. How long have you been with your company?
18. What do you like most about working in this area?
19. Did you grow up in this area?
20. How did you hear about this event?
21. Do you attend a lot of networking events?
22. What’s your best networking tip for introverts?
23. You seem to be having a great time - mind if I join you?
24. Do you mind if I introduce myself?
25. Have you attended any conferences lately?
26. What are some common misconceptions about your role?
27. Which skills do people overemphasize in your industry?
28. Are you working on any side projects at the moment?
29. What do you enjoy most about your job?
30. Do you know XXXX? Could you introduce me to them?

 
These questions are designed to spark meaningful conversations. They should help you move beyond surface-level interactions and build lasting connections.
 
Remember, successful networking is not just about what you can gain, but also about what you can contribute to the professional community. So - get out there - network with a purpose, and watch your business thrive!
 
Discover more of our business and marketing tips when you follow BIG DEAL Company on social media: Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram. Stay current on industry trends and follow our latest events in our blog. Looking for some marketing support? Reach out to our team of marketing professionals. Every client we serve is a BIG DEAL!

Word-of-Mouth Marketing: Generating Referrals for Small Businesses

In the realm of marketing, nothing beats the power of a glowing recommendation from a satisfied customer. Word-of-mouth marketing is an age-old practice that remains one of the most effective strategies for generating referrals and boosting business growth for small enterprises. People overwhelmingly trust word-of-mouth referrals from their peers. In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of word-of-mouth marketing and provide actionable tips for generating referrals for your small business.
 
Why is word-of-mouth marketing so powerful?

In a word: trust. Consumers tend to trust recommendations from people they know more than traditional advertisements. When someone recommends your business, it carries inherent credibility. In a Nielsen study, 83% of people said they trust word-of-mouth recommendations from friends or family members, and another 92% trust word-of-mouth recommendations more than any other method of advertising.
 
Word-of-mouth-marketing (or WOMM) is essentially free, making it an incredibly cost-effective way to promote your business. In addition, your satisfied customers can potentially reach a broader audience than you might through traditional marketing efforts, speaking with people who are not usually part of your marketing audience.
 
Positive recommendations also have a long-lasting effect on your business, as people remember and value personal referrals. Word continues to spread long after the initial recommendation, fostering your business’s community prestige and creating an enduring reputation.

​How can I generate word-of-mouth referrals for my small business?
 
Let’s delve into some strategies that small businesses can employ to generate referrals and maximize their impact:
 
Deliver Exceptional Customer Service
 
Happy customers are more likely to recommend your business to others. When you provide a positive, memorable, and/or unique experience, you’re setting the stage for effective word-of-mouth recommendations from your customers.
 
Encourage Reviews and Testimonials
 
Reviews and testimonials are a form of unpaid advertising that, when used effectively, is more productive than the majority of paid advertisement. Encourage satisfied customers to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, or industry-specific review sites. Showcase your rave reviews on your website, on social media, and in marketing materials you send to prospective customers.
 
Leverage Social Media
 
Social media can be another source of testimonials in the form of user-generated content – content that is created by a user or customer rather than by your marketing team. Encourage your audience to share their experiences, then broadcast their feedback to reach a wider audience and build trust and credibility in your business.
 
Implement a Referral Program
 
A structured referral program formally incentivizes your satisfied customers to bring in new business. Referral programs offer benefits to happy customers, such as gift cards to your business, freebies, or discounts on services or products, in exchange for bringing new customers to you. These customers are more valuable than a new customer who walks in off the street, because your referring client has already laid the foundation of trust and the expectation of a positive experience.

Network and Collaborate
 
Collaborate with other local businesses and professionals, and attend networking events. Establishing partnerships with complementary businesses can lead to partnerships and mutual referrals. Business owners who have had positive personal interactions with you are much more likely to recommend your business to their customers.
 
Use Storytelling
 
As we discussed last month, storytelling is a powerful tool for eliciting an emotional response from your customers and potential customers. Share your business journey and success stories with your audience. People love hearing about the passion and dedication behind a small business. An engaging narrative can inspire others to support and recommend your brand.
 
Engage with Customer Feedback
 
Regularly monitor online reviews and customer feedback. Promote the positive, and address any negative comments professionally and promptly (but after you’ve allowed some time for your initial emotional response to wear off). Demonstrating your commitment to resolving issues can turn a review around and transform a dissatisfied customer into a loyal advocate. Even when that fails, others will see your response as a testament to your dedication to your business and desire to create positive experiences for your customers.
 
Word-of-mouth marketing holds immense potential for small businesses. By focusing on delivering exceptional customer experiences, encouraging reviews and referrals, and leveraging social media and networking opportunities, you can harness the power of word-of-mouth to grow your business organically and sustainably. A happy customer can be your best marketing asset, and nurturing those relationships can pave the way for a successful and thriving business.
 
When you hire BIG DEAL Company for small business marketing, you gain a built-in partnership. We’ll refer your business to our clients and network of other small businesses and promote your company across our social media network. Start building word-of-mouth today with our experienced marketing team.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
 

​Creating a memorable guest experience at a conference or company event is crucial for creating a positive and lasting impression.
As marketing and events professionals with a focus on nonprofit work and community engagement, we have a unique perspective to offer when it comes to planning memorable and impactful conferences, fundraisers, and events.
We have pulled together a comprehensive list of things to consider when planning your next conference. These strategies will help boost event engagement and will provide your business or nonprofit, targeted ways to reach your guests on a personal level.

​Enjoy these 11 TOP TIPS to elevate your guests' experience at your next event!

Enhance your guest experience and ensure your events leave a lasting impression by building an experience that includes:

1. Personalized Invitations and Communication: Leverage your attendee data to send personalized invitations and messages. Tailor the content to individual interests and roles, showing attendees that their presence is valued. This personal touch will help make your attendees feel appreciated.
2. Interactive Sessions and Workshops: Incorporate engaging activities, including polls, Q&A sessions, and interactive workshops for your guests to choose from. The more interactive, the more your attendees will be engaged.
3. Provide Networking Opportunities with a Purpose: Everyone thrives on building connections! Organize networking sessions that encourage attendees to interact with each other. Provide icebreaker activities, discussion groups, and themed meet-and-greets to facilitate meaningful connections.
4. Enlist a Strategic Event App: There are a variety of helpful event apps that you can utilize to host all your events’ information in one spot. These apps are created and built to help enhance the guest experience. They can provide real-time schedules, interactive maps, and the ability for guests to connect with other attendees. You can even brand them to match the vibe and feel of your event!
5. Choose a Theme and Decor to Match: Create immersive environments built around a theme. Choose decorations, lighting, and visuals to help set the tone for the event and make a lasting and memorable impact. A good theme will create a cohesive flow for the entire event.

6. Shower your guests with thoughtful swag items and gifts: Show appreciation to your guests with meaningful and sustainable event swag. Find take-aways that follow your event theme.

7. Embrace Technology: Most large event venues offer a variety of exciting event tech packages. These packages can include interactive displays, video work, holograms, and app integrations. You might also consider adding gamification elements to keep attendees engaged and to encourage exploration.

8. Align your event with a cause: Leverage nonprofit connections to encourage attendees to contribute. Showcasing your company’s charitable initiatives will help foster a sense of purpose.

9. Bring in captivating Keynote Speakers: Secure dynamic keynote speakers whose stories will resonate with your audience. Their topics can be aligned with the theme of your event. Hire a diverse range of speakers to cater to the various interests and backgrounds of your guests.

10. Have a post-event strategy: Stay top of mind beyond the event by sharing post-event content, including session recordings, presentation decks, and event recaps. Use their delivery as an opportunity to reconnect with attendees, and request a post-event survey to help you build better events year to year.
​
11. Provide activities for the senses: Invite local catering companies and restaurants to showcase their flair as part of the culinary portion of your event. Create interactive food stations that not only cater to diverse tastes, but also highlights the local cuisine. Food is always a great connecting experience!
​After guests have dined to their delight, make plans to offer wellness and relaxation activities. Set up relaxation spaces, provide mindfulness sessions, or even treat guests to mini spa treatments to promote relaxation for all.

​In today’s competitive business landscape, the success of your event or conference will hinge on the guests’ experience. Each element, from personalized invitations to the immersive decor, will play a pivotal role in leaving a lasting impression.

​Take these concepts to the next level with the expertise of a company that shares your values and vision. BIG DEAL Company has a strong track record of creating exceptional events. Our team of professionals bring a dynamic blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and a passion for making a difference. We are dedicated to bringing your event’s goals to life!
 
Consider hiring BIG DEAL Company for your next corporate event. We will serve as your event planning partner. We will take the time to understand your company’s unique perspective and we will share your commitment to enhancing your guests’ experiences. We are ready to collaborate with you to create an event that goes beyond expectations!