The Edge for March 2026
It’s the perfect time to sharpen your networking game – with the state’s top business networking event, the ReNew Jersey Business Summit & Expo, coming up in Atlantic City on March 31 and April 1. We asked some of the N.J. Chamber’s best networkers to share their go-to strategies for making connections and turning conversations into opportunities. Their answers are below (and if you want to attend the Business Summit, you can get more info and register by clicking here.)
Show Genuine Curiosity
Break the ice with an observation about the event, venue, or speaker, or by asking an open-ended question to ease into conversation. Listen more than you talk and keep your introduction concise. Showing genuine curiosity goes a long way. Finally, follow up within 24 to 48 hours while the interaction is fresh, which helps build rapport. Then create meaningful next steps.
– Mike Murphy, Vice President of Sales, AmeriHealth
Have a Strategy
Walking into a room with a strategy is better than arriving cold. Before a networking event, seek a warm introduction from the host to build immediate credibility and comfort. Inside, look for someone standing alone or on the edge of a group and introduce yourself: ‘Hi, I don’t think we have met – I'm (your name). What brings you here?’ Follow with a genuine compliment to ease the conversation. Your personal brand matters in every interaction – positive energy, eye contact, and active listening shape first impressions. Networking isn’t about collecting cards. It’s about meaningful connections.
– Debra Rizzi, President & Partner, Rizco
If you Want More, Give More
Successful networking starts with a simple principle from the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘If you want more, give more.’ When meeting someone new, invite them to talk first about who they are and what they do. Ask open-ended questions and listen closely. Most people appreciate being heard, and the more detail they share, the better you can respond thoughtfully. While they’re talking, consider how you might help them. Ask about their ideal client so you can keep an eye out. Exchange cards and always follow up.
– Walter J. Brasch, Chief Success Officer, Prager Metis CPAs
Don’t Worry About Rejection
Everyone at networking events is there with a goal to make connections, so don’t worry about rejection. Focus on opportunities. Open with small talk and stick to relatable topics. Ask open-ended questions that draw out their opinion, which often leads to deeper discussions. Be a good listener – show genuine attention and curiosity. Listen for common ground. Genuine conversations make a positive impression.
– Thomas W. Scott, President & CEO, CentraState Healthcare System
Go In with an Open Mind, a Smile, and Real Curiosity
Try asking people how they got into their line of work – and what excites them about it, or what's keeping them up at night. You'll get much better conversations. My other piece of advice: Offer help before you ask for anything. People who show up looking to be transactional always get the worst results. I've built my best relationships – and some real friendships – by genuinely trying to help the person in front of me. Go in with an open mind, a smile, and real curiosity. You'll be amazed at how many opportunities come your way.
– Aaron Price, President & CEO, TechUnited:NJ
Be Warm and Authentic
Much of networking should follow the Golden Rule. Treat people how you wish to be treated. Hold a door for someone, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ welcome someone into the conversation. Be warm and authentic. Don’t treat every encounter as if it were a sales opportunity. Ask questions. Try to find some common ground: where you grew up or went to school, work experience, even the weather. It helps break the ice. Finally, ask for a business card or suggest a social media connection.
– Rick Giurlando, Manager & Practice Navigator, Outsourced IT, EisnerAmper
Ask the Golden Question
My favorite question to ask folks at business events is “What do you do when you’re not here?” Opens the door to all sorts of interesting conversations!
– Ruthi Byrne, president, Zinn Graves & Field, Inc
Look for Common Ground
Real connections come from asking open-ended questions that invite people to share their stories. Examples questions are: What brought you to this event? What’s something you’re working on that you’re excited about? What do you enjoy most about your work? Look for common ground – where someone’s from, their career path, favorite sports teams – and then build on it. When you explore a shared connection, the conversation naturally deepens and relationships begin to form.
– Dale Favors, Managing Partner, Adaptive Growth Leadership
Make Them Feel valuable
When I meet someone at a networking event, I always lead by making them feel like they add value to what I do without instantly asking for business. Here is a line I have used plenty of times and has received positive engagement. "Hi, I’m Tom. Pleasure meeting you. I’m with Kearny Bank, and I’m always curious about how different industries operate. I’m doing some research on where banks help and where they make things too complicated. If you’re open to it, I’d love your take."
– Tom Woroniecki, SVP/Director of Corporate Banking, Kearny Bank
