What is the essence of networking? People. It’s the people in the room that will make a networking session a success. Event planners bring people together, they curate an experience to spark conversations, connections, and exchanges that will have a lasting impact on their audience. Imagine a table full of strangers leaving dinner as friends.
What does it take to get people to open up – to forget the mundane? How do introverts , extroverts, experts, mentors, brands, investors find the right people to meet? At Braindate, we believe everyone has valuable knowledge to share. We design human-centered connecting and learning experiences to bring people together so they leave transformed by each other.
The Power of Questions in Networking
So what are the questions you should ask to ensure that you and others are seen, heard, and appreciated? This guide will help you create a space for conversations, where you feel empowered to ask the right questions. Our guiding principle is to get to know the man beneath the label.
The role of curiosity in building professional relationships
Curiosity is your compass to navigate the crowd. It’s the winning ticket in the big event of networking. When you approach someone with genuine curiosity, the conversation goes from a simple exchange of words to a life-changing encounter.
Now, you might think, “I should probably stick to good networking questions,” which is indeed a safe bet. However, by sprinkling your conversations with a pinch of spontaneity, you can often reveal deeper layers of individuals, weave richer narratives, and foster connections that are as memorable as they are fruitful.
But how do you spark that curiosity, especially amid the chatter of a networking event? It starts with a little introspection: Dive into a series of who, what, and how questions:
How can you help others? How can others help you?
Ask questions that tickle your fancy and are genuinely interested. After all, intentionality starts with yourself. Take the time to think about how you want to make the most of your time at a networking event. It will help you focus your encounters, and your questions will help you start the great conversations you’re hoping for.
Why the right questions build deeper connections
Imagine walking into a room filled with the dazzling minds of industry leaders, seasoned professionals, and dynamic newcomers, each hiding treasures of knowledge and experience. The air is full of possibilities, and there you are, a savvy networker, ready to delve into these human libraries with questions that are both insightful and engaging.
The bottom line is that good questions have the power to create deeper connections. They can untangle narratives, foster empathy, and build bridges between different mindsIt’s about digging deeper, peeling back the layers, and uncovering the stories, passions, and experiences that drive these people.
For example, a question like “How did you get started in your career?” can be a great icebreaker, providing a window into the person’s journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the victories they’ve achieved. This opens the door to richer, more nuanced conversations, setting the stage for potential mentorship or collaboration.
For example, try “What fires you up? What are you passionate about?”
So whether you’re preparing to meet with executives or looking to connect with potential mentors, remember that the power of questions in networking is immense: they bring you closer to people and open doors to building business relationships and friendships that could last a lifetime.
Before you jump into any networking event or conversation, it’s essential to have a plan and strategy. A well-established foundation not only ensures productive meetings, but also builds your confidence, allowing you to navigate the networking waters with ease and purpose.
Doing Your Homework: Researching the Person and the Event
Before you embark on a networking event, take the time to clearly define your goals and intentions. Ask yourself: Who do you want to meet and what are your main reasons for attending the event? This step will not only help you narrow down your focus, but also help you target your networking efforts more effectively.
Leveraging Event Tools for Pre-Event Connections
Many events offer platforms or tools that facilitate initial connections. Explore these avenues to get a feel for attendees and identify potential connections that align with your goals. This step is a great opportunity to start building relationships before the event officially kicks off.