Don’t Be Scared 😱 7 Fearless Networking Questions
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Dear Dear Fearless Conversationalist,
From the looks of the photo above (which really scared the bejesus out of me) one might think that today’s newsletter is a horror story. It isn’t. It’s a networking story- which for some people can actually be a horror story. Let’s take a bit of fear out of this shall we?
You already know this. At work events, no one wants to talk about work the entire time. That’s creepy. But you might follow the crowd because it’s just what we do and how we handle networking events.
Networking can be both scary and boring. According to INC.com, 99% of us are afraid to network. Many goblins weigh in on a number of things we fear but can we please just boil this down to one- for the sake of getting to the candy and chocolate of the day? We don’t know what to say and that causes a web of angst.
After a networking event a few months ago I became exhausted and deranged after several people all asked me the same questions: What do you do? Where are you from? Oh, hey there, tell me about yourself? Blah!
but we know it can also be very beneficial. Yes, there’s that word, Networking- it may have sent a chill down your spine.
I had to change the tune because establishing new connections is so beneficial.
Here are several questions you can use to break the fear-of-networking-spell:
Who taught you how to dance? Do you remember the song?
Who taught you how to drive- do you remember the car you were in?
Who was your first real friend when you were a kiddo?
Did you have a favorite teacher…or one that was a least favorite?
Have you ever been stuck in a blizzard? What did you with your time?
First movie you watched in a genuine movie theatre?
What was your first job as a kid/teen? Who hired you?
Ok, this might sound fluffy but the truth is that you are asking your new connection to think about a memory that will likely bring emotions followed by a terrific story. What else are you going to talk about? The pandemic?
Unless you are talking to a zombie, you’re going to get some reactions and this will also make you more memorable the next time you connect with your new acquaintance.
Now, the second point, if you feel uncomfortable or silly asking the question in a “business” setting, say “This might sound like a bizarre question but I’m curious…” Once you express how you’re feeling, the nerves will settle a bit and you can drive a stake toward a delightful conversation.
Finally, if your connect doesn’t return the question to you, so what, jump in and tell your story. This is networking- have fun, exchange stories and laughs.
Taking the Fear Out of Talking to People,
Raquel
Raquel Eatmon is a Be Bold Accomplice, Keynote Speaker and Author of Beyond Enough How to Lead with Your Whole Self. For over a decade she has produced the Woman of Power Leadership Conference for high potentials. She is challenging audiences to live and lead bolder lives through strategic risk taking rituals. Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn
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