When is the last time you went to a networking event and someone asked you about the weather? I find this to be a very common question. In fact, I was on a conference call earlier today and someone asked what the weather was like in Los Angeles. I find it fascinating that this is the default question or topic people turn to. I guess I understand itās relatable to everyone, but at the same time, I scratch my head because we all have the internet and know about weather.com.
10 Questions to Ask Instead of “How’s the Weather?” for Effective Networking Results
Effective Networking Begins With Building Rapport
Moreover, the answer almost rarely tells you about the other person. Networking is all about building rapport and rapport is basically built on trust, respectability, and likability. A great way to meet these three principles is by finding commonality or similar interests with the other person.
So, the next time you go to a networking event or are talking about to a stranger, I want you to ask some of these non-weather related questions:
RELATED: 3 Practical Mindset Shifts to Start Networking Confidently
10 Non-Weather Related Questions to Ask
1. What brings you to this event?
2. Whatās new since the last time I saw/talked to you?
3. What did you do over the weekend?
4. What do you have planned for the upcoming week?
5. Have you heard of this speaker/organization before?
6. What are you most excited about at todayās event?
7. Who would you like to meet at this event?
8. Whatās the last podcast, TV show, movie, or book you read?
9. What was your college major and are you doing anything with it?
10. What do you do for fun?
Why These Questions are Effective Networking Conversation Starters
If you go through the list, youāll notice some commonalities across the questions:
- They are all open-ended questions. What this means is, they start with who, how, what, when, why, and often cannot be answered with just a yes or a no. While āHowās the weather?ā is also an open-ended question, this leads me into the second commonality:
- All of these questions have the word āyouā in it. They all aim at asking about the other person. Conversations are started by being curious and inquisitive.
Effective Networking Scripts in Action
Hereās how this might play out at an event:
Me: Hi! Nice to meet you, Iām Emily.
Ann: Hi, Iām Ann. How are you?
Me: Great. Iām curious what brings you to this event?
Ann: I had to come for work – our company is hosting the event.
Me: Oh wow. Thatās awesome. Thanks for hosting! Which company?
Try not to Lead with Work
Generally, I try to avoid leading with questions about work. A lot of times when I go to networking events, Iām asked, āWhat do you do?ā Thatās fair. But I think weāre often more than just our titles at whatever company. Itās much more fun talking about interests and building rapport off of commonalities – and then once weāve built a jive – we can talk about the work.Ā
You’ll notice Iām weaving in personal anecdotes in the case thereās any room for Ann to get excited or curious about probing further into anything that is of common interests. Eventually, I may ask Ann what she does or what brought her here but I want to ask once Iāve developed a level of enthusiasm in our conversations. This can be easily achieved by asking about fun, enjoyable topics such as hobbies, interests, weekend activities, etc.
Ā
Brainstorm Topics to Talk About
If you want to elevate the art of conversation to the next level, you can also consider reading the news before an event. Find out whatās happening in the local news, business news, or celebrity news, so you have a list of topics to speak about in the case you find yourself stumped.Ā
For example, you might say, āDid you hear about the 6 year-old boy who is raking in $11 million a year for testing toys on Youtube?ā People might be like, āWhaaat? Thatās crazy.ā and you can tell them all of the details you read. Or they might be like, āYeah! Itās time to start a Youtube channelā and get their energy shifting into one where they can show more of their personality.Ā
Finally, remember that at the end of the day weāre all human. Just because itās a business event or corporate event does not mean you canāt show your personality. Channel whoever you feel most comfortable speaking with and pretend as if that person youāre meeting is them. How would you converse with that person you’re thinking of?Ā
Some great tips here, i would like to share this with my Step Daughter who is still young and learning this skill.
The art of conversation is often a lifelong skill to build but so wonderful your step daughter is eager to start sooner than later š
For awkwardly social people like myself these ideas could come in handy in many ways. Thanks!
LOL you’re welcome, Nisi!
This is great! I’ve been going to a lot of networking events this year (it was one of my goals for 2017 to meet more people who are freelancers like me), and I find that people often talk about bland subjects that don’t incite a deeper conversation about why you’re really at these networking events — to CONNECT with other people in the same field as you! I’ll definitely be using these at my next networking event. š
This message makes me so happy, Emily! I’m so glad you found it useful/helpful. And that sounds like a fantastic goal!
This is great! I bookmarked this page, as I am trying to attend more events and I am that tongue tied person who can never think of anyway to start a conversation.
Aw hard to believe you can never start a conversation. I’m sure you do it every day! š You just started one here!
I’m going to a networking event tonight so this is right on the money for what I need to read right now. I’m not shy but I am super nervous about it for some reason. Probably because I have to give a 2 minute intro and don’t know what I am going to say.
Hi Dia, how did your networking event go? I find that having a script usually psyches people out because every conversation and dialogue is really impromptu. Instead of worrying about what to say next what if you suspended any expectations and just sat in the present?
My husband works in IT and I like to go with him to his networking events because it is usually a good opportunity for me to meet some fellow IT women. However, I am usually very shy and don’t know what to say. It’s so much easier to be vocal online, I guess. I will take note of this list and try to put it into practice.
Thank you for your honest feedback, Alicia. It sounds like you have an interest in IT… maybe just ask them what got them into the field or what books or movies or podcasts they are currently listening to. š But yes, I agree, sparking conversations online can often feel a lot easier… unless it’s a FB live. Eep. Scary.
You shared it generously indeed! It really opens the mind of every first timer. That is really good to know.
Thanks, Courtney! Glad you found the article useful!
Great post! I love that your questions bring it back to the person you are talking to so you can get to know them and have an engaging conversation. Bookmarking this to re-read before my next networking event!
I love that you’re going to bookmark it and re-visit! Just be inquisitive and inquire about the other person and you’re going to be golden! š
Thanks for these great questions to connect other than asking about the weather. Jotting these down for future use! Thank you!!
Good luck, Emma!
I always feel so awkward at these types of events. These simple answers are a great way to break the ice and start up conversations that could lead to great connections. Thanks for helping us all be a little more comfortable and confident!
You’re so welcome, Melinda! Thank you for stopping by. š Everyone feels awkward even the people who feel the most comfortable at networking events. Just be yourself and you’ll learn you’ll make meaningful connections.
These are some great tips for effective networking. I really like the idea of starting a conversation with fun topics and being likable.
Thanks, Vasundhra! Yes… it really does help build rapport and excitement.
This is really helpful. I am a very awkward person so I have times that I have a hard time in starting a conversation or have a longer conversation.
LOL you’re not alone. Trust me. It’s the feedback I’ve received that prompted me to write this article. My sense is you’re not as awkward as you think and other people love awkward because it’s interesting. So win-win! Get out there! š
I always get so nervous and awkward in front of people, this post will surely help me in some way or another.
You’re not alone… strength in numbers! š You got this!
I need to network, it really is key in building business relationships. Thank you for the tips as I tend to avoid it given that it makes me uncomfortable.
Hey Autumn, you’re so welcome. I think going to a Meetup group might be a good way to explore and build up your confidence. You won’t know until you are in action.. but I get the sense that you’re a people person and others will enjoy conversing with you!
I love the simple question of “what brings you here” or “what are you most excited for in this event” because they’re already pretty much built into the mutual event you’re both at. Those questions easily segue into other questions and discussions that would make it easier to get to know each other!
Thank you! I’m so glad you found it helpful. Best of luck!! š