Networking in person, online or over the phone: your goal is to start new relationships.

Some new connections won’t be good value, some will be good referral connectors and some may become clients some day. Don’t pitch or push.

Good questions show people you are open and curious. As you listen to their answers, you are showing you care about them and their ideas.

Ask others about themselves: people love talking about themselves, positions, families and what’s important to them.

Don’t Worry

If you have 3-4 questions ready to ask, you will capture the respect of the other person. This is not the time to pitch your services or experience.

Listen carefully: a follow up question into one of the points said by your new contact demonstrates you are listening and will probably get them talking even more.

Use Open Ended Questions

• How has your business had to shift? We’ve seen some pretty significant challenges as our clients need to adapt?
• Are you part of the Association? I’m looking to investing some of my time. What are your ideas?

Topics People Love To Talk About

• Location and region they serve
• Recent Projects (don’t get into future projects yet)
• Range of services they offer
• Best types of projects they look for