I attend several networking events a month and I get a lot of questions from my followers and colleges: “What are best networking tips to ask other professionals at a event?” Good question huh? Getting people to open up to you is a big first step but then you have to build a rapport and need them to keep them talking. So what are the right questions to ask to get others to open up to you? Here are twelve questions to ask professionals at your next networking event:
- Tell me about your business, what do you do?
- What is your biggest goal for next year?
- What is the most unique aspect of what you do?
- What type of client is your least profitable and why?
- What is your biggest challenge?
- Do you have employees and If so what is the most difficult thing you have to deal with relating to them?
- What is the best thing that has happened in your business this year?
- What is your biggest personal accomplishment so far?
- What do you hope your biggest accomplishment in your business?
- I’d love to refer someone to you. What is an ideal client?
- Who are your power partners and if you don’t have any who would they be?
- How can I help you in business and networking?
Networking is more than shaking hands and passing around business cards, it is about building your social network by developing and maintaining solid relationships. This process is more about farming than it is about hunting: cultivating relationships with other business professionals. So, by asking exception questions you have a chance to get to know that person, shows that you really do care about what they say and their business. At your next networking event try using my twelve questions to ask at networking event and you’ll see the improvement in your network and in yourself.
Carpe Diem~