What to Say?

The most common question I’m asked about networking is “How do I start a conversation and keep it going with someone I don’t know”. 

As we all know, networking is about building business relationships and not about selling.  To get the relationship building process started, of course you have to start getting out there and talking to people you may not know.  Scary thought for some of you!

So how do you get started?  Here are a few simple questions to ask to get the other person talking.  Play the “You” game in your mind.  The “You” game, put quite simply, is the focus is all on person you are talking to or meeting – “tell me about yourself”; “tell me what you need."

• How did you get started in your business?  Or - What attracted you to this business?  What do you like about this business?  What do you dislike about this business?
• What challenges did you face when you first started?  What challenges do you face now?
• Tell me more about your industry challenges, so that if I hear of someone who might be able to help, I can get the two of you together.
• Where do you see your business in the next 6 months?  What do you need to reach that target? 

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how to start a conversation and keep it going.  You should be listening carefully to the problems and thinking of people you know who might be able to help this person, either now, or in the future. 

Make special notes of the answer so that as your days/weeks/months pass, perhaps you will come across a piece of information, a person or solution to help someone and you have another reason to get in touch.

Networking with the intention of helping as many people as possible, will help you build relationships faster, find effective referral partners and increase your business.

If you have a networking experience that has helped you grow your business, please let us know via comment on this blog.