From Awkward to Awesome: How I Made Networking a Game

Networking events. They’re a bit of a mixed bag, aren’t they?

A room full of strangers, some excited, some nervous, all hoping to walk away with something meaningful.

Maybe it’s a new job lead, a partnership, or just a good story to share later.

But let’s be honest—sometimes they’re more awkward than inspiring.

That’s where my favourite networking hack comes in: turning connections into a game.

I’ve been playing this game for over nine years now, and while I've written and talked about this many times, it’s always my go-to tool for breaking the ice and making networking less about small talk and more about genuine connection.

The LinkedIn Game

Here’s how it works.

When you meet someone new, instead of jumping into the usual “What do you do?” script, suggest playing a quick game.

The challenge?

Guess how many mutual LinkedIn connections you share.

The winner—whoever guesses closest—gets treated to fika (Swedish for a coffee and cake), lunch, or even just bragging rights. It’s that simple.

And if you’re thinking, “That sounds kind of silly,” you’re absolutely right.

But that’s the point.

It’s disarming, it’s fun, and it sets the tone for a more relaxed and meaningful conversation.

How to Play

1. Introduce the game: Start by saying, “Let’s play a quick game. I bet we have mutual LinkedIn connections… but how many?” Explain the rules in under 30 seconds.
2. Break the ice: Kick things off with a fun question like, “What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever had?” or “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” It gets people thinking and laughing.
3. Make your guess: Both of you jot down your guesses—no peeking at LinkedIn yet!
4. Check the results: Open LinkedIn and see how many mutual connections you have. Discuss who those people are and how you know them.
5. Follow up: After the event, send a personalised LinkedIn invite referencing the game. Something like, “Looks like I owe you fika! Great meeting you at [Event Name].”

Why It Works

1. It’s playful: Adding an element of fun lowers social barriers. People relax, and the conversation flows more naturally.
2. It builds trust: Discovering shared connections is like getting a stamp of approval from your network. It creates an instant sense of familiarity.
3. It’s memorable: Instead of being just another handshake, the game creates a shared experience you’ll both remember.
4. It’s actionable: The game naturally leads to personalised follow-ups, which makes staying in touch easier and more impactful.
5. It’s backed by science: Gamification works because it taps into intrinsic motivators like curiosity and connection. When you guess and reveal mutual connections, you engage the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine—the same chemical responsible for making us feel good when we solve puzzles or achieve goals.
6. It’s all about “Six Degrees”: Ever heard of the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon? The theory that everyone is six connections away from anyone else applies perfectly here. With LinkedIn, those degrees shrink dramatically, and this game makes it tangible. (If you’ve never played the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon game, check it out for a laugh: link here).

Stories from the GameMeeting Sara at the College of Extraordinary ExperiencesLast year, I attended the The College of Extraordinary Experiences—an immersive event that’s part think tank, part magical adventure. Imagine a place where you’re encouraged to dream big, collaborate creatively, and ditch your comfort zone. While there, I met Sara, a brilliant storyteller and podcast host. Naturally, I introduced her to the LinkedIn game. Sara Mirza confidently guessed we had two mutual connections. I guessed seven. When we checked, the actual number was six. Sara lost, and now she owes me lunch—a debt we’re both looking forward to settling. Since then, we’ve stayed connected, and she even invited me onto her podcast to talk about authentic networking.

Teaching the whole group at the College how to play the game that day?

Absolutely unforgettable.

The Selfie with AntoineAt a career event in Stockholm, I met Antoine Aubard.

As we chatted, I suggested the LinkedIn game. When we checked, we discovered we both had Sharon Green in common. Now, if you know Sharon, you’ll understand—she’s fabulous. We couldn’t stop talking about how much we admire her, so we snapped a selfie and sent it to her with a quick note: “Guess what? We just met and can’t stop talking about you!”

Sharon’s delighted response made the whole thing even more fun. That little moment of serendipity turned into a great story and a stronger connection with Antoine.

Pro Tips for Playing the Game

• Keep it light: Don’t overthink it. The whole point is to have fun and keep things low-pressure.
• Ask fun questions: Skip the boring stuff. Questions like “What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?” or “What’s your guilty pleasure song?” spark more interesting conversations.
• Make the follow-up count: When you send that LinkedIn invite, reference your interaction and add a touch of humour. It shows you care and helps the connection stick.

• Start Small: If the stakes of lunch feel too big, start with fika. It’s quick, casual, and very Swedish.

The Bigger Picture

Networking doesn’t have to feel like a chore. It can be playful, memorable, and genuinely enjoyable.

Over the years, this little game has helped me meet incredible people, forge lasting connections, and create stories I’ll never forget.So, what about you? Have you played the LinkedIn game yet? If not, I challenge you to try it at your next event. Who knows—you might just find your next big opportunity, your new favourite collaborator, or at the very least, a great excuse for fika.

Happy connecting,

Shaena