How do you handle the awkward silence at networking mixers here?

I was at that tech meetup at Ponce City Market last Thursday and the conversation just died after I mentioned my current project. The guy I was talking to literally checked his phone and walked away. Does anyone have a go to question or trick to keep things moving at these Atlanta events without sounding like you're selling something?

3 comments

3 Comments

kim_mason553d ago

Wait, he literally just checked his phone and dipped out mid conversation? That's so rude, I would've been shocked too. Honestly, half the time at those mixers people are just as awkward as you, they just hide it better. I usually go with something dumb like "so what's the weirdest thing you've seen at one of these things" because it's open ended and not about business. Or ask them what they think about the venue's food or drinks, people love complaining about overpriced snacks. That usually gets the ball rolling again without feeling salesy.

ray5623d ago

Is it really that serious though? @kim_mason55 calling it "so rude" feels a little much. The guy probably just got a text about something urgent or remembered he left the oven on. Half the time people dip out of those things because they're weirded out by their own social awkwardness more than anything you did. I've done it before in a panic and felt bad for a whole thirty seconds before getting a taco. You're overthinking one dude checking his phone at a networking event.

michael8033d ago

Started making dumb jokes about the venue's weird art and it totally broke the ice for me.