If you’re on the career ladder, then the chances are you’re going to have to do a little networking at some time or other. Approaching a room filled with strangers can be a daunting prospect but if you’re armed with the right kind of material, you can make the scenario run like a dream. You know those fantasies that you have of your charming, witty and effortlessly intelligent banter? They can all become a reality. All you need to do is get your networking head on, practice and little and unleash yourself into the professional wild. It’s time to talk!
- What Do You Love About What You Do?
(source: time.com)
When you’re approaching a stranger, you might be at a loss of what to say but in fact, there are a whole load of options at your fingertips. Opening up the conversation but focusing on them can be a great way of getting to know their professional field and building a rapport when networking. Asking what their favorite part of their job will encourage them to open up a great deal more about their career, giving you the kind of insight you might not have had access to otherwise. All you need to do is go a little further in the conversation.
- What Brought You To Your Job?
(source: forbes.com)
Once you find out about a person’s likes and dislikes in their career, you can naturally segway into their professional history. Often, there is a great deal of information that can help your career in a person’s past and by asking them about it, you can up our chances of networking success. How a person got to where they are can give you tips about how to navigate the industry and might just lead you on to further introductions. You never know where the conversation will take you.
- What Have You Read Recently?
(source: networkingtimes.com)
Opening up the conversation to be about more than your job is well within the limits of a networking conversation and will make it easier to build a rapport. Try mentioning a book or article you have read recently and following up to see what the other person likes to read. You are more than just work banter and by showing more of yourself as a rounded person, your conversation might just go on for a little longer.
- What Do You Do Outside Of The Office?
(source: gregorybknapp.com)
When you’re getting to know someone in a networking situation, they really are a blank canvas and you can use it to your advantage. Don’t worry just about talking shop; try to show a genuine interest in the person who’s standing across from you. The better your relationship, the more likely the two of you are to stay in touch and when that happens, you could link yourself to future projects and opportunities.
