Today I want to share my thoughts about the 3 biggest mistakes that some of us make, when attending networking events and how we can improve how we converse with other people, especially people we are meeting for the first time.

In the realm of networking, it is crucial to recognise common pitfalls and identify appropriate solutions to enhance our interpersonal connections. One of the most prevalent mistakes is immediately asking people about their profession when we meet them. Instead, I recommend the open-ended question, “What’s keeping you busy these days?” This simple adjustment opens the door to more diverse conversation topics and allows for deeper and more engaging interactions.

Another critical aspect is active listening. Often, we are so preoccupied with planning our own responses that we fail to truly absorb our conversation partner’s words. It is advisable to consciously listen and pay attention to the other person’s responses, enabling us to ask pertinent follow-up questions. This, in turn, fosters deeper and more meaningful conversations.

Furthermore, we should be mindful not to be excessively self-centred in networking situations. Instead, we can actively involve the other person in the conversation by seeking their advice on various topics. This not only promotes a sense of inclusion but also leads to more engaging and personalised discussions.

In summary, these recommendations serve as valuable tools for improving our networking skills. By moving away from the standard question, “What do you do for a living?” and instead employing open-ended queries, actively listening and posing targeted questions, and actively involving others in our conversations, we can cultivate deeper and more meaningful relationships at networking events.

These practical tips have the potential to transform how we approach and benefit from networking opportunities.

What to avoid, the next time you network:

❌ Asking people what they do for a living.
❌ Not actively listening.
❌ Focusing solely on oneself.

Instead, steal my tools and try the following:

✅ As a conversation starter try asking what’s keeping the person you are talking to, busy.
✅ Actively listen and use responses to ask follow-up questions to create a better connection.
✅ Ask for advice on various topics during the conversation; these could be personal or professional, depending on the type of event.

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If you are struggling with public speaking or would like to elevate this skill that will support your professional or business growth,express your interest to sign up for my one-on-one Public Speaking Master Class sessions which are currently underway by simply filling out the contact form below.

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