Questions to ask at a networking event

This blog post has been inspired by the high volume of people reaching our website after searching for the answer to this question “What questions should I ask at a networking event” only to be disappointed as before now we didn’t have any suggestions for them.

As we go to a lot of networking events we have a good idea of what sorts of questions to ask to start to form valuable business relationships. We think it’s important to note that it is much more than asking questions when you meet someone new though, you need to be genuinely interested in the person and business you are speaking with – and definitely don’t give them a hard sell on what you do!

We’ll write a follow up post shortly after this with some do’s and don’ts for networking, but for now here are some questions you might want to try when you are next at a networking event.

Small talk

1. Why did you come along tonight?
2. How did you hear about this event?
3. How do you know the organiser?
4. What did you think to the speaker?

Getting down to business

5. What sort of business do you run?
6. What’s your role in the business?
7. What is it that you love about your business?
8. What sort of projects are you working on at the moment?
9. How are you finding …(question tailored to their industry)?

Understanding how best to stay connected

10. Are you on Twitter/LinkedIn and do you use them regularly?
11. What’s your twitter name?
12. How about a coffee to discuss … in more detail?
13. Will you be coming to this event again?

In our experience it takes meeting someone two or three times at a networking event before a lasting connection is formed. Obviously there are some exceptions to this rule and how you follow up can make a quite difference, so think careful before sending your follow up email.

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