Business networking events are ideal places to meet new clients. But it is not enough to show up. If you sit at a table or gossip with your business partner, you won’t make new connections.

The problem often lies in knowing what to say. For most people, it’s intimidating to walk up to a stranger, introduce yourself, and strike up a conversation.

Chances are, before heading to a social or business event, you’ll think about what you’ll wear, how you’ll get to the event, and even where you’ll park. How often do you plan what you will say once you get there?

This article gives you 7 tips to help you prepare for a networking event, so you never feel tied down or at a loss for words.

Before the event, use these ideas to plan three or four talking points:

1. At a business event, find out what’s happening in your industry. Read professional magazines and newsletters in your field to stay current.

2. If you’re in a new city, find out about local events. Get information about the home team, movie and book releases, and cultural events in the news.

3. Be aware of current events. Read local and national newspapers. Read the top news and headlines to find topics of interest.

4. Watch the local and national news. You don’t want to be in the dark about recent developments.

5. Look at the three main types of magazines: news magazines, business magazines, and general interest magazines. This will give you plenty of conversation starters.

6. Use a funny story from the newspaper or a personal anecdote to start a conversation. Humor unites people.

7. The best way to start the conversation is to start with your shared experience, the event you attend. Begin by asking about the person’s relationship to the event or group. For example:

o Have you been to (event name) before?

o Have you been to (this city/place) before?

o What did you think of the keynote speaker?

o What do you think of the event so far?

o What is the most interesting thing you have learned so far?

o How do you know (name of host or hostess)?

Any of these questions gives you an instant connection because you’ve had the same experience.

We encourage you to use these tips to connect at networking events.