Small talk with FORD
FORD is a memory aid for safe, open topics: Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams. In professional settings, start with occupation and recreation; move to the others only if the other person does.
F Family
“Are you based here, or did you travel in?”“How do you usually spend your weekends?”
O Occupation
“What are you working on at the moment?”“How did you get into this field?”
R Recreation
“Have you been to one of these events before?”“Anything good you’ve read or watched lately?”
D Dreams
“What would you like to be doing in a few years?”“Is there a project you’d love to take on?”
A conversation from hello to goodbye
Every networking conversation has four parts. Here are the words for each, at an industry event.
- 1OpenComment on the shared moment, then introduce yourself. “That was a sharp talk on pricing. I’m Priya, by the way.”“Is this your first time at this conference?”
- 2ExploreAsk open questions and follow their answers with “how” and “why”. “What are you working on at the moment?”“How did you end up in procurement?”
- 3ConnectFind one link: a shared interest, a useful contact, an article. “You should meet my colleague Sam; he’s solving the same problem.”“I read a good piece on that last week. Can I send it to you?”
- 4CloseEnd warmly before the conversation fades, with a reason to follow up. “I’ve really enjoyed this. I’ll let you get round the room, but I’ll send that article tomorrow.”“Great to meet you. Shall we connect on LinkedIn?”
Introducing yourself in three sentences
Skip your job title alone; nobody remembers it. Say what you do, for whom, and something current that invites a question. Build yours below.
Your introduction “I help small charities raise money online, mostly arts and education groups. Right now I’m testing whether text messages beat email for donations.”
LinkedIn messages that get replies
Short, specific and easy to answer. Each template has one reason for writing and one small ask.
Cold introduction Hi Maya, I enjoyed your post on supplier audits, especially the point about site visits. I’m starting audits at a similar-sized firm. Could I ask you two quick questions about how you prioritise sites? Specific praise, a reason, a small ask.
After meeting in person Hi Tom, great to meet you at the logistics summit yesterday. Here’s the article on route planning I mentioned. Good luck with the depot move. A shared memory and a promised gift. No ask.
Reconnecting Hi Ana, it’s been a while since we worked on the Lisbon project. I saw you’ve moved to Berlin. Congratulations! How are you finding it? Recalls the link, congratulates, asks one easy question.
Asking for advice Hi Daniel, I’m considering a move from teaching into instructional design, and your path looks similar. Would you have 15 minutes for a call in the next few weeks? Explains why them, keeps the ask small and time-limited.
Following up after an event
You can’t follow up with everyone equally. Sort the people you met into three groups the evening after the event.
Tier 1 · within 24 hours A real opportunity Someone you want to work with or learn from. A personal email with a concrete next step. “Would you be up for a coffee in the next two weeks? I’d love to hear more about the pilot.”
Tier 2 · within 48 hours A good conversation Someone you clicked with. A LinkedIn connection with a personal note. “Great talking about remote onboarding at the summit. Let’s stay in touch.”
Tier 3 · within a week A brief exchange A short connection request mentioning the event, so you’re remembered later. “We met briefly at the logistics summit. Happy to connect.”
Online events
Video events have fewer chance meetings, so plan the conversations you want.
BeforeCheck the attendee list and choose three people to meet.
DuringUse the chat for one useful comment or question, with your name and role.“Sam, analyst at Northfield: great point on retention data.”
AfterMessage the people you spoke to within two days, mentioning what they said.
Keeping a network you actually use
A network matters only if you stay in touch. A simple list and a few minutes a month are enough. For message wording, see LinkedIn messages that get a reply.
- 1Keep one listName, where you met, what they work on and one personal detail.
- 2Set a monthly reminderPick two or three people to contact each month.
- 3Send something usefulAn article, an introduction or congratulations on news.
- 4Ask rarely, give oftenMost messages should give; only some should ask.
Guides on networking
4 guides · newest first
How to Write a LinkedIn Message That Gets a ReplyTemplates for cold intros, warm reintros, upward asks, and follow-ups. The specific words that cause delete and the patterns that triple reply rates.Apr 23, 2026 · 14 min read
Follow Up After Networking Events - Expert GuideComplete expert guide to networking follow-up: timing, tiered contact system, LinkedIn templates, email scripts, and coffee requests that get responses.Apr 6, 2026 · 20 min read
Professional Small Talk - A GuideMaster professional small talk with the FORD technique, conversation starters for every setting, graceful exits, and networking follow-up strategies.Mar 21, 2026 · 22 min read
Modern Guide to Professional NetworkingModern professional networking guide covering LinkedIn strategies, conference networking, informational interviews, follow-up systems, and relationship building.Mar 21, 2026 · 22 min read