How to develop connections with strangers on the phone?

Hi,

So I have a burning question: How to develop connections with strangers on the phone?

I am currently networking trying to get myself into boutiques, I emailed a lot of people and actually managed to get a few on the phone with me. But the thing is, I feel like I haven't formed any personal connection with them while they were on the phone with me. I was polite, asking questions about their experiences and how they broke into the industry. And I usually try to talk more about what we have in common and avoid asking technical questions (in order to not to get them bored).

But, after trying all that, I still can't seem to form any personal connection with them after phone calls, sometimes the other person wasn't very responsive, sometimes they just said a few sentences and just became quiet.. sometimes I ran out of questions and we said bye too soon.. and I don't know how to pique their interests without sounding too strange.. I could say, hey I see your into skiing on linked, where do you go to ski? That would be inappropriate, right? Or should I actually try to figure out what they like personally or ask them directly and focus on that? Will that make me seem unprofessional if I ask them "what's your hobby" etc since it's supposed to be an "informational interview".

I am confused. In a nutshell, does anybody have advice on how to establish rapport with strangers on the phone? And how, specifically?

Regards,