Networking
Events - 7 Good Questions to Ask
By
Andy Britnell
No matter how confident you may be, the
experience of entering a room full of strangers can be nerve-racking and
leave you grasping for something to say. I believe the best route is
actually the easiest – we all know that people like talking about
themselves, so why not ask questions designed to draw them out a little more
than standard shop talk?
Here are a selection I have found to be
useful in establishing a connection with someone who at first glance appears
to have nothing in common with me at all.
1. How did you come to be in your line of
work? Often people fall into their job through a chance encounter or a
stroke of luck – these stories are often interesting, and recounting them
will bring your new contact alive in a way that a straightforward discussion
about current business never does.
2. Describe to me your dream customer. You
will learn much about their motivation and goals by listening carefully to
this.
3. What changes are happening, or can you
predict happening, within your industry? Tap into a source of inside
information here – it may well have implications for your own business or
give you ideas on doing things differently. It is easy to get into habitual
patterns of thought without realizing it. A totally different perspective
can really sharpen you up.
4. What do you regard as your greatest
achievement in business to date? Another great way of breaking the ice and
getting to know someone better.
5. What do you love about your work?
Someone else’s business will come alive for you if you listen to them
describing their favorite activities.
6. Are there things you wish you could
change? A natural follow-on from the above.
7. How would you like people to describe
your contribution to your industry? This gets away from day-to-day business
and allows them to discuss their deeper aspirations if they wish.
Any of these questions will provide you
with a more enjoyable and memorable encounter, and with luck will ensure you
are remembered likewise.
Andy Britnell specialises in sales and
customer service training for both the private and public sectors. Go to
http://www.andybritnell.co.uk/ and you can sign up for my FREE short
monthly newsletter and FREE e-mail coaching.
I coach corporate and SME clients who wish
to achieve better results - see
http://www.executive-coaching-for-business-growth.com/
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
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