Ok, so before we run you through our top ten of effective networking questions to ask, our first tip (and probably the most crucial point) is to decide if the person you’ve just introduced yourself is really in the mood to talk to you. If it feels like hard work, and you get the feeling the person doesn’t really want to talk to you, move on to someone else. It’s no big deal.
Our second big tip is to ask questions. It’s the easiest way to keep the conversation flowing – plus if you ask the right open ended questions the other person will do lots of talking and you’ll get to learn lots about them.
So here’s a great top 10 of networking questions – these questions will help you avoid the dreaded conversation ‘lull’ and they’ll get you beyond “Where are you from?” …
1. How did you get involved in…?
People like to tell their story. Give them an opportunity to do so while you listen attentively and they’ll love you.
2. What advice would you give me if I wanted to be successful in your line of work?
This is a great follow up question to #1.
3. What do you love/enjoy most about what you do?
This question keeps happy feelings in the air.
And just in case you’re wondering whether or not it’s a good idea to ask what a person likes the least about what he or she does, the answer is no, unless you’re in the same line of work!
4. What separates you from the competition?
This question gives a person permission to tout his unique abilities. Be sure to ask this question in a polite and inquisitive tone of voice so that it doesn’t sound like you’re challenging the person.
5. What one thing would you do if you knew that you could not fail?
A truly thought provoking and inspiring question to ask. (You should ask yourself this question.) It helps and encourages a person to dream and when she revisits the dream there’s a chance that you’ll come to mind often. That’s powerful.
6. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your business?
People love to share war stories, but seldom get a chance to finish them because others interrupt with their own stories. When you ask this question resist the temptation to interject your own horror tale. Remember – “let the other person do a great deal of the talking.”
7. What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession/area of expertise through the years?
Great question for cross-generational networking because it allows a person to reminisce about the good old days. The following variations are good for upper classmen and graduate students.
8. What do you see as the coming trends in your profession/area of expertise?
This is a great follow up question to #7. This shows a person that his opinions matter to you.
9. If someone were to describe you in one sentence what would they say?
Another very thought provoking question. Normally it is best used later in the conversation. Remember: You’re not interviewing someone; you’re networking!
10. What do like to do in your spare time?
This question will take someone to a happy place and help you to know her outside of professional or academic life.
Remember there is no need to memorise all 10 of these questions! Start with the 3 or 4 you like the most. Master them and then give the others a test run!
Keep in mind that no question in the world will help you be a better networker if you are not truly interested in the other person.
So, be interested, ask questions, and let the other person do the talking – you never know where it will lead.
Happy Networking!
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