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10 Networking Questions (That Work)
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Effective networking happens when you connect with the right people and communicate a positive message.

 

The best way to network is to have other people tell you about what they do and how they do it.  Here are 10 questions from Endless Referrals by Bob Burg.

  1. How did you get started in the widget business?
  2. What do you enjoy most about your profession?
  3. What separates you and your company from the competition?
  4. What advice would you give someone in the widget business?
  5. What is the one thing you would do with your business if you knew you could not fail?
  6. What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession through the years?
  7. What do you see the coming trends in the widget business?
  8. Describe the funniest incident you’ve experienced in your business.
  9. What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business?
  10.   What one sentence would you like people to use in describing the way you do business?

The goal is establish a positive relationship.  It is important to establish rapport which can lead to friendship.  The golden rule of business is that people prefer to do business with people the like and trust.  And when all else fails people prefer to business with people they like and trust.   Professional friendships are the core of any successful career or uncovering career opportunities.  More great careers are launched through friendships and professional referrals than great resumes.

Seek out networking opportunities that take you and your contact outside the office.  The first and best networking contacts are your friends.  Don’t ask a friend to help you find a job ask them to introduce you to someone they know. 

Here are some rules of the conversation that should be applied:

 
  • Don’t interrupt.
  • Make sure you actively listen to answer.
  • Listen for purpose, details and conclusions.
  • Determine what wasn’t said?
  • Think between sentences.
  • Think before you respond, before you talk!