Networking for Dummies

If you find yourself speechless at networking events, enjoy these conversation starters (as authored by Bob Burg, author of Endless Referrals: Network Your Everyday Contacts Into Sales. Sign up for his free newsletter for more useful information for your business needs):

1. How did you get your start in the _____ business?
   People like to be the movie of the week in someone else’s mind.  Let them share their story with you while you actively listen.
2. What do you enjoy most about your profession?
   This question elicits a positive response and good feelings.
3. What separates you and your company from the competition?
   This question gives them permission to brag about their business.
4. What advice would you give someone just starting in the widget  business?
   This question makes them feel superior and allows them to do some mentoring.
What one thing would you do with your business if you knew that you could not fail?
This question allows your friend to fantasize and they will be thankful that you cared enough to ask.
6. What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession through the years?
   Asking people who are a little bit more mature in years can be perfect because it allows them to reminisce about the good old days.
7. What do you see as the coming trends in the ______ business?
   This is a speculation question and positions them as an expert in their industry, which makes them feel important.
8. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your business?
   People love to share war stories but don’t usually get a chance to tell anyone about their experiences.
9. What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business?
   This question, again, elicits a positive reaction and also gives you an opportunity to see how they think.
10. What one sentence would you like people to use in describing the way you do business?
    You are allowing them to give themselves a compliment.  Who doesn’t like compliments?

Buy the book, Endless Referrals for more great tips.

Comments

[Manjula Selvarajah]

Steve,

Great questions...sure beats talking about the weather.

Would also recommend an excellent book on networking I read this year, "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi

Cheers,
Manjula