This is the third in my series about networking. Now that you have the keys to researching your networking targets, and know the fundamentals, you need to consider what to ask when you meet them! The number one thing to remember when networking is that most people have a favorite topic of discussion – themselves!

GL Hoffman had some useful advice at his blog, What Would Dad Say?:

It truly is not about you. It is more about the other person. Ask questions, find their interesting story, learn from them, ask advice. Strive for a conversation that is 25% you, 75% them.

Remember your manners. Smile a lot. Say please and thank you. Hold doors open. Make eye contact. Say “and” more than you say “but.” Be positive. These are the things your mom taught you.

These are great launching off points to consider before thinking of what to ask at an informational meeting.

Don’t forget that it’s important to assess what you want to know! There is nothing worse than having a meeting and walking away without accomplishing your goals. So, have some goals!

Figure out what you need to know about the organization or the person – things that you cannot find out by a quick Google search. Consider asking about the person’s (or organization’s) values, important skills needed to work there and about how they do business. Ask the nuanced questions you want to know. For example:

  • What are your biggest challenges? (Or those impacting your field/company/organization?)
  • What is the best (and worst) part of your job?
  • What would you do differently (if anything) if you were starting over in your field?

At the same time, in case you have a contact who likes to ask a lot of questions, be sure that you can also discuss your unique qualities – your unique selling proposition.

  • What are YOUR skills.
  • Why are you interested in this field or organization?
  • What do YOU have to offer?

Be sure to bring along your resume, just in case your networking contact asks for it, or if you have an opportunity to ask for input and advice.

In the long run, what exactly you ask is less important than HOW you ask it and how well prepared you appear. It is really true that you have one chance to make a first impression…Be interested and interesting and you won’t have to worry!

Feel free to share your great question ideas and success stories in the comments!

photo by leo reynolds

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  • Woody Davis

    I can’t agree more with this perspective. Networking is not about you. Great blog!!

    • Miriam Salpeter

      Woody – Thank you! I appreciate the comment.

  • http://www.learn.colostate.edu Tamara Burns

    Great article with tips on how to have an effective conversation while networking. More tips on having a conversation here: http://www.learn.colostate.edu/blog/entry.dot?id=203735

  • http://www.seyfarthdiversified.com Shellie Seyfarth

    Completely agree! And I particularly like the reminder to be prepared to answer some questions about yourself, because occasionally we do meet people who are not comfortable being on the receiving end of all those questions. Excellent information on your blog – thanks!

    • Miriam Salpeter

      @Shellie – It is important to always be ahead of the curve, so being prepared is so important! Thanks for your comment. I look forward to continuing the conversation with you.

  • http://www.interviewiq.com.au Karalyn Brown

    Great Post. This is an example from my business, but it applies equally to networking to find a job. I am constantly amazed at where business comes from. I often find myself handing over business cards at the weirdest places. One of the most bizarre was when I was donating blood and the nurse and I got talking about how much trouble her son was having finding a role. The truth is that networking is as simple as being polite and being interested,and the 25% formula does rule. The thing that is most powerful about that 25% is that time is yours. The person becomes genuinely interested in you, once you’ve shown a genuine (and it has to be genuine) interest in them. One of my clients who was a senior HR Manager actually found a role by being genuinely interested in the person next to her on the beach….in a purely professional sense that is ;-)

    • Miriam Salpeter

      Karalyn – I absolutely agree – you never know where great networking may happen. I love your stories! Thanks for your comment and hope to see you again here!

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