Preparing and having a plan is crucial before you step into the networking arena. This preparation will make you feel confident and set the stage for building powerful relationships.
Arm yourself with these helpful conversation starters to jumpstart that new relationship. Ask questions differently to stand out of the crowd.
- So what do you do? That’s an open-ended question; instead, ask: What’s occupying your time right now? Get them talking about themselves and their interests. This will help you gain insights into who they are personally. Then, drive the conversation toward topics you’re both interested in. Actively listen. Reinforce things they say by paraphrasing wording to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation.
- Instead of the usual ‘Tell me about yourself,’ try asking: ‘What do you love to do the most? What moves you?‘ This approach helps you understand what they enjoy most out of life and what they love doing. Actively listen and find shared interests. Remember, all relationships are based on trust, and shared interests are a powerful way to establish that trust.
- Instead of: Have you been here before? Ask about something specific, like the food or the decor. Get personal. Listen, then find something they say you agree with and run with it. Inject some humor whenever possible. Take the edge off, and have some fun. Once you establish a good rapport, subtly direct the conversation towards items that will help you achieve your goals for this event.
- What’s the most exciting thing you’re working on right now? This question can help uncover passions and projects that align with your interests or expertise, leading to a more meaningful conversation.
- What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received? This question provides insights into their values and influences and discusses shared experiences and wisdom.
- Who has been your most important professional mentor? Understanding who has influenced them can provide insights into their professional journey and values and may even reveal mutual connections.
Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. Prepare in advance by doing some homework on the venue’s purpose.
If there is a guest speaker, have some intelligent questions to ask prepared for this event. Research the speaker’s background and the topic they will be discussing to come up with insightful questions that will impress both the speaker and your fellow attendees.
Know who will attend the event and be prepared to have a few incredible conversation starters that will help ignite the crowd’s interest. For instance, you could ask about their favorite legal case or a recent industry development that caught their attention.
Dress for success. Remember, first impressions matter. If it’s a casual event, dress appropriately but err on formality. Wear shoes instead of sneakers or a button-down shirt instead of a polo shirt.
During the event, remember:
- Stay upbeat and never talk about politics or religion. Quietly move on if you stumble into a crowd going down that road.
- Be authentic and honest. Nothing can chill a conversation faster than being caught in a lie or being disingenuous. If you don’t necessarily agree with something being said, it’s okay not to weigh in on that. Remember, authenticity is the key to building genuine and trustworthy relationships. Listen and carefully engage in the conversation by discussing things you have in common. Authentic relationships lead to better relationships, more opportunities, and tremendous success.
Being prepared with smart conversation starters will wow your prospects and build better relationships. Now go out there and work the room!
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About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises law firms on taking a firm to the next level and helps rising talent transition to the right law firm.
Contact us today. Call 516.731.3400 or visit our website at https://www.onbalancesearch.com.
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the reader’s educational purpose. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your circumstances, the laws in your states pertaining to social media, and any legal restrictions.
