20 Questions to break the ice and build valuable connections

April 7, 2026

A fresh set of questions to start a conversation: what to ask instead of the usual "What do you do?" to get the conversation going and make it more meaningful

How to move from the formal “What do you do?” to a real conversation in just a couple of minutes

Networking is an important component of professional growth, enabling people to build relationships that can lead to career advancement and skill development. Here are several strategies tailored for those who find networking challenging, especially when it comes to connecting with others at events.

Leonid Bugaev

Leonid Bugaev is a business communications expert, corporate trainer, speaker, and author. He has delivered training programs and keynotes for Microsoft, KPMG, Toyota, AstraZeneca, Raiffeisen, and TikTok.

He helps leaders and teams build trusted business relationships, reach decision-makers, and turn networking into commercial results. International experience across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.

Follow Leonid on LinkedIn and Telegram . To book a conversation, click here .

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