How To Talk to Potential Clients during a Social Event

Social events are perfect ways to meet and mingle with potential clients. In fact, the groundwork for many business deals is subtly arranged during social gatherings. It’s a great way to meet potential clients and establish some rapport with them so that when you make a business call, you will be better received. The key to building a future business relationship with potential clients is to learn the art of talking to them during social events.

* Find out who is in attendance. When you’re at a social gathering, work the room so you can find out who is there. If you have a mutual friend, ask to be introduced. Everyone is a potential client, so be friendly and polite to all. However, don’t just try to single out a particular person because you have business interests in mind. It’s better that you mingle with everyone so you can really put yourself out there.
* Introduce yourself. Whether you wait for a formal introduction or simply decide to come up to someone and strike a conversation, you need to let the other person know who you are.
* Provide a brief overview about what you do but don’t go into the details. Most conversations start with your name and what you do. When you talk about yourself, you can say the name of your company and say what department you are in. Avoid going into a lengthy monologue about your job title and what your company does.
* Keep it casual. The rule of thumb to remember is to keep things lighthearted and stay away from business when you are in a social gathering. Ask about his family or his recent vacation. Try to find common topics of interest.
* Don’t talk about business. If you bring up trying to set up a meeting or pushing your products, you will turn people off. You don’t want to develop a reputation of trying to mix business with pleasure. Otherwise, you’ll stop getting invited to social gatherings, or people won’t want to talk to you. Keep in mind that it’s easier to discuss business matters later on once you have established rapport and a friendship with a potential client.
* Exchange business cards before you part. When you are talking to the other person, ask for his business card. You can also present yours so you can do an exchange. You can end the conversation by saying you’ll be in touch soon or that you hope to see each other again soon.
* Stay professional. Even if you are in a social setting, you should refrain from engaging in bad behavior. For example, it’s not a good idea to get drunk or to make a pass at other women. You still want to present yourself as a friendly yet professional person. You will turn off potential clients if you are rip roaring drunk. Outside of the social setting, they may have second thoughts about using your services if you conduct yourself in such a manner. If the potential client is the one that is getting drunk, that’s ok.


Have fun and relax when you are at social gatherings. Parties, cocktails and dinners are a great way to unwind and network at the same time. You can meet a lot of potential clients at places outside of work. The trick is to learn how to balance it and work the room properly.