The Best Networking Tip in World - Why Should Never Ask Someone At An Event "What Do They Do?"

I have been running networking events in Greater Boston for over ten years and have seen it all from how some professionals understand how to engage with other professionals and some networking follies where you see that glossed over face from someone listening to some long sales pitch.

Have you ever attended a networking event and you asked someone the question "What Do You Do?" and then you get a fifteen-minute-long answer and 99% of the detail has no relevance to what you need to know?  Half the time, the other person doesn't even ask for your name but proceed to explain what makes them great.   You end up coming away from the conversation, dreading talking to the next person.  Am I going to go through another twenty minutes of a sales pitch?

There are better questions to ask such as "What brings you here?" or "How did you find out about the networking event?", but in reality, people go to networking events to build their own business/brand or to find their next opportunity.  Because of this approach, unfortunately, the event becomes transactional, which should not be the intent, it you want the event to be a success.

As a start, we have posted great content in a YouTube Video we did, on what to do to prepare for an event, what to do at an event, and how to proceed with the all-important follow-up, check it out here.

However, if you want success, focus on building relationships with professionals. At an event, when you are introduced to someone, have a two-way conversation first. Do not talk about solutions (especially what you do) until you identify a problem the other person is having, understanding the impact of the problem, and what the root cause and the desired result is.  At this point, you may be able to offer a solution with a product or service you offer or you may know someone that you can refer. 

 Honestly, if you cannot help the other person, chances are they are going to care less you are the best at what you do.  My suggestion if you are thinking, "but I want to make sure the other person knows what I do", is to optimize your social media profiles, especially LinkedIn, to display your brand, essentially what make you different.  Check out our video on how to have a Rocking LinkedIn Profile to help.

So in closing, at your next event, do NOT ask the dreaded "What Do You Do?" question.   Ask someone their name and make it is about them first.  Ask about their challenges and impact of those challenges and have a two-way conversation about solutions.  If the conversation is on-going, schedule a follow-up.   Trust me, you will have more success with this approach versus a transactional approach at networking events.

Happy Networking!!