This is something I used to struggle with.
But after 100s of conversations I figured it out.
To open conversations and transition to business talk:
1. Start with an observation/joke/compliment
↳ Ie. I've heard that Texas feels like a desert lately
2. Ask a light question about their business
↳ Ie. Noticed you use CK for your newsletter. Ever tried AC?
3. Use a transition question related to your service
↳ Ie. Do you get most subs from LinkedIn or somewhere else?
Between each question I wait for a reply.
how do you go about things?