With all the people who attend a networking event or mixer at an onsite meeting, it can be hard to stand out in the crowd. And if you are looking to forge strong professional connections, the last thing you want is to be forgotten.
Fortunately, you can set yourself apart from your fellow networkers through the questions you ask. Instead of sticking with the same humdrum ones that most people use, get creative and make an effort to get to know the person behind the job title. And it is possible to do this while remaining professional and respectful.
You will leave a lasting impression by asking these 13 meaningful questions at your next business networking event.
1 – HOW DID YOU END UP WORKING AT YOUR COMPANY?
This is a great question to facilitate a smooth and gentle segue into work-related topics, because it incorporates a personal piece about how their career path led them to their current company, even if you both work for the same employer.
2 – WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ASPECTS OF WHAT YOU DO FOR WORK? WHAT ABOUT YOUR LEAST FAVORITE?
A favorite/least favorite two-part question is great for transitioning even further into business focused conversation. The question has a strong personal aspect, but is about their professional life at its core.
3 – HOW IS YOUR IDEA OF SUCCESS DIFFERENT TODAY THAN IT WAS WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?
Instead of asking if their idea of success is different, switch it up by making it an open-ended question. This gives them a subtle nudge to expound on their answer and invites more extensive discourse on the subject.
4 – WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE THING YOU HAVE LEARNED DURING YOUR CAREER?
By asking this question, you are learning key information that could help you advance your own career, while still demonstrating interest in your new connection’s professional life. This type of question is especially ideal for making connections with subject matter experts or tapping potential mentorship opportunities!
5 – WHAT UPCOMING PROJECTS ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT DOING?
Stoke their enthusiasm by talking to your connection about projects that spark their passion. In addition to feeling happy, they might also be proud of the role they will play in this work. Their answer to this question can also provide further insight into the daily responsibilities of their job.
6 – WHAT SKILLS HAVE YOU FOUND ARE ESSENTIAL TO SUCCEED IN YOUR OCCUPATION?
Flatter your connection while learning about the skills you should prioritize developing when breaking into or advancing in their field. Make special note of any specific training programs or software they might mention.
7 – WHAT NOTABLE TRENDS DO YOU SEE DEVELOPING IN YOUR FIELD OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS? HOW DO YOU ANTICIPATE THEY WILL IMPACT THE INDUSTRY AND YOUR WORK WITHIN IT?
Let them know you view them as a knowledgeable thought leader by asking them about upcoming industry trends. In doing so, you will also gain insider information that might still be unknown to your professional counterparts. And when you add the personal element about how these trends might impact their work in particular, you infuse the question with deeper meaning.
8 – WHAT KIND OF ADVICE WOULD HAVE HELPED YOU WHEN YOU WERE BREAKING INTO THIS FIELD?
Why make the same mistakes other people made before you if you can learn about them from your predecessors and deftly avoid them? This question is brilliant for helping to steer you away from potentially costly errors and spare you wasted effort. Plus, this is another question that strokes their ego by approaching them as a wise thought leader.
9- WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE COMPLIMENT YOU HAVE RECEIVED ON YOUR WORK? WHY WAS IT MEMORABLE?
The flattery continues with this question! Most people enjoy talking about their accomplishments and the praise they received for them. Make sure you express your own admiration of their wins – in a genuine, not over-the-top, way.
10 – WHAT DO YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THIS YEAR IS OVER? AND WHAT DOES GROWING YOUR CAREER IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS LOOK LIKE TO YOU?
This question strikes a perfect balance between business and personal. It also gets the wheels turning in your connection’s mind about their own professional future and where their career is heading.
11 – WHERE/HOW DO YOU GET YOUR BEST IDEAS FOR WORK?
Yet another way to acknowledge your connection’s vast store of knowledge is to learn about their process for brainstorming great ideas. It can also help inform your own efforts in that field/role.
12 – WHAT IS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU HAVE FACED IN YOUR CAREER AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME IT?
Everyone loves hearing about a heroic effort – and they love telling the story when they are the hero even more. Along with flattering your new connection, asking them to share this story gives you a blueprint for solving similar problems if you encounter them.
13- HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE IN THE SHORT TERM? WHAT ABOUT IN THE LONG TERM?
Short of being a fortune teller, the most accurate way of getting a snapshot of the future is asking an industry leader for one. This can prove a competitive advantage for you, as well as help guide your career path in the right direction.
TALK IS NOT CHEAP WHEN YOU ASK THESE HIGH-QUALITY QUESTIONS
When you use some or all of the questions above at business networking events or mixers, you make yourself memorable and you also gain valuable advice, insight and information from someone who really knows their stuff.
Does your next networking event need a facelift? If so, contact Gavel International to see how working with a meeting planning company can benefit your organization.
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