- One of the most powerful questions you can ask a person when networking is- What would make a person/company an ideal client/customer for you?
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10 Powerful Networking Questions
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Networking. Show all posts
Words of Wisdom 28: Networking
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10 Powerful Networking Questions
Words of Wisdom 29: Networking
It’s more important to ask someone for his/her contact info then it is to give them yours. Always get the other person’s info because you’ll have a chance to initiate further contact.
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Inside the Mind of Alicia English
I spend a lot of time challenging young people; challenging them to grow; challenging them to elevate their thinking. Recently, a young lady turned the tables on me.
I was just beginning a session on the power of networking when
As the students began to play I introduced myself to
What nerve. But of course, a brother had to represent. So I accepted.
We’ll talk about that in a second. So, let’s find out what’s inside the mind of this powerful young lady.
AD: I was teaching.
AE: Yeah, but you can’t ask us to play if you can’t. You can’t teach us to do something that you can’t do. You have to test your own knowledge.
AD: True. That’s why I stepped up. And I wasn’t perfect, but I beat all the students! I know my stuff.
AE: (Laughter)
AD: One of the first things I noticed about you is how energetic you are and when I asked you about doing this interview you emailed me back and said, “You know what Al, I would love to do it but I’m going to be real busy. This is my senior year. I’m trying to stay as busy as possible. So I’m not sure if I’ll have time.”
AE: Yes, sir, I remember.
AD: So, obviously you love to stay busy, which I find to interesting because so many young people that I meet are trying to get out of work and here you are looking for more ways to pack your schedule. Why? Why is that? Why is it so important for you to stay busy and active?
AE: Well, one thing that Monster’s DLP [Diversity Leadership Program] opened my eyes to is that it’s really competitive out there. The competition is stiff. And I feel like I’m already ten steps behind everybody else. I just did my first summer internship this year.
AD: As a rising senior?!
AE: Yeah, just this past summer.
"Well, I’m just the type that believes that you have to think about somebody else before you think about yourself. It doesn’t make sense to put somebody down just for you to get ahead."
AD: Why?
AE: I was an athlete when I first came to college. For my first two years I spent all of my time, all of my summer in the weight room or on the volleyball court. I really didn’t get a chance to go to conferences and things like that my freshman and sophomore year. My mind was still on sports. So, for my last two years I said I’m going to give that up and I’m going to focus on my career. I’m going to focus and do whatever it takes to reach my career objectives.
AD: Hmmm…
AE: And so I feel like I’m already ten steps behind everybody else. By now it seems like everybody has about three or four internships underneath their belt. Everybody has a lot of experience and so that’s why I’m energetic. I’m a sponge and I stay busy because I feel like while I’m sleeping or just watching TV, somebody else is researching companies…
AD: Right!
AE: …or they’re researching something and they could be going after the same position. Somebody is always trying to take your spot! Somebody is always trying to be the next fresh face in the workforce; trying to be the next big thing.
AD: Right.
AE: So I have the constant mindset that while it’s good to relax every now and then, I need to stay busy with school, work, and learning different techniques and going to conferences on how I can make myself better.
AD: What’s interesting is that you may feel like you’re a little behind in terms of internships but you’re way ahead as far as attitude is concerned. You have great work ethic and that’s priceless.
AE: Thank you.
AD: You’re welcome. You treat life like you would one of your games – you might be behind, but it ain’t over ‘til it’s over. So, how did you develop that attitude? Have you always been like that?
AE: A lot of my attitude developed from sports. Just like you said, never give up. Keep going ‘til the whistle blows; even after the whistle blows. You never know what an extra inch or an extra tidbit—a little more push—might do to get you ahead. So, I’m working on the weekends because you never know how much that extra little bit could get you ahead. It could set you apart.
AD: True.
AE: And a lot of my attitude comes from my organization [Phi Beta Lambda]. We teach you not to count yourself out. You have something that they [employers] want. You just have to make it known.
AD: So these days, for you, it’s time to get down to business.
AE: Yes, sir.
AD: Well, speaking of business, your organization is literally all about business. You’re the president of Phi Beta Lambda which is a business fraternity, right?
AE: Yes, sir. It’s a nationally known fraternity that comes out of FBLA which is short for Future Business Leaders of America.
AD: That’s a high school program, right?
AE: Yes. FBLA was first and then they created college and professional versions. That’s where Phi Beta Lambda comes in.
AD: What’s the difference between a business fraternity and a social fraternity?
AE: Basically, a social fraternity or sorority is gender specific, you know male or female, but you have people with all types of majors. My fraternity is strictly for business majors or minors. It’s strictly for enhancing yourself as business leader. We promote workshops and conferences. We give you the techniques you need to become an effective business leader.
AD: What would make a student a good fit for a business fraternity such as Phi Beta Lambda?
AE: Well, from campus to campus each chapter sets its own criteria. In our chapter you have to be a sophomore or above with thirty-one credit hours. We use this standard because we don’t want freshman to join too soon without knowing what they’re getting into. Normally by junior year you know what path you’re going to be on.
AD: True.
AE: You have to have a 2.5 [GPA] or above. After all, academics are important. Even if you don’t have all of the characteristics yet, you have to show some potential for becoming an effective business leader. We’re going to give you the tools. Just show us some passion and dedication about being a business leader. We don’t discriminate. If you’re not sure or don’t know what marketing is, if you don’t know what it’s like in the workplace or don’t know how to dress, then we want to teach you.
"I’ve encountered a lot of my old colleagues and once they graduate they go into the workplace and feel like society owes them something. They owe them this job; they owe them respect. When the reality is nobody owes them anything."
AD: So you want to help people to grow.
AE: Yeah. We want people who have a lot of growing to do. Or even if you’re someone who already knows a lot as long as you’re still willing to grow and be an asset to the organization then we want you to join. Don’t just join to get a t-shirt or just for the name.
AD: So don’t just join to be in the cool club.
AE: Yes, sir. We want people who will represent the organization well. You know, in a business fraternity my brothers and sisters and I all work together and have taken the same classes that new members will be taking and we pass along books and a lot of good info about the classes. And you know books are expensive these days!
AD: True! It sounds like your fraternity takes full advantage of the power of networking.
AE: Oh, yeah.
AD: And it also sounds like you all get your members prepared to handle a lot of the challenges that people will face when they enter the business world. So what are some of the challenges you expect to face? Especially as an African-American woman in the world of business, what do expect to see when you get out there?
AE: From the jump, I expect to have to deal with some of the stereotypical black-woman-black-college-student-you-didn’t-get-a-good-education type of mindsets but that won’t stop me. For some reason, and I don’t know why, too many students graduating from black colleges think that people owe them something. I’ve encountered a lot of my old colleagues and once they graduate they go into the workplace and feel like society owes them something. They owe them this job; they owe them respect. When the reality is nobody owes them anything.
AD: Amen, sista. Amen.
AE: It’s every man for himself.
AD: Or woman.
AE: Yeah. And on top of facing the stereotypical attitudes, I’m also facing an even bigger hurdle because I’m going into sports. I want to go into major league baseball. I want to go into a field where there aren’t a lot of African-Americans or women in general. I love baseball. When I was young my family took me to a lot of the games and what bothers me is that we’ll wear the hats and jerseys but when it comes to going to the games nobody’s there to support our athletes. So, I want to work in major league baseball to bring a different type of marketing and awareness to the African-American community in terms of supporting our athletes.
AD: That’s a big challenge and of course you can handle it.
AE: Yes, sir.
AD: Well, since you’re in the mood for challenges let’s step into another world where women face a lot of challenges: Hip-Hop. There’s a lot of controversy around the way women are portrayed in a lot of Hip-Hop. Is it just business or is there more to it?
AE: Everything is business regardless of what it is. People are out to make money. They’re going to do anything to make money. However, in my opinion if you have to make money by downgrading or disrespecting somebody else that totally goes against my morals and beliefs. You wouldn’t put you mother or daughter…you wouldn’t put anybody in your family on that kind of stage so why would put other women out there?
AD: I hope not. But that’s not true for everybody.
AE: Well, I’m just the type that believes that you have to think about somebody else before you think about yourself. It doesn’t make sense to put somebody down just for you to get ahead. In the end you’re not really getting anywhere.
AD: True. In the words of
AE: Yeah, so it’s business, it’s Hip-Hop and they’re making money but you know on the other hand, it’s not what you’re called it’s what you answer to. You have to set the standards of what you’re going to accept for yourself. Yeah...wrong is wrong but everybody doesn’t think like me.
AD: Yeah, and everybody doesn’t have that positive attitude like you. In fact, as we wrap things up, give me one or two things that anybody could do to develop that kind of attitude; that determined, never-give-up-never-quit type of attitude.
AE: A person said something one day that really hit home with me. “You were born an original so don’t live like a copy.” When I heard that it made so much sense to me.
AD: I noticed that’s how you sign your emails.
AE: I’ve heard it two ways actually. I’ve also heard it in Romans 12:2 which basically says don’t go with the flow. Don’t fall into the customs of this world but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
AD: Woo! That’s what I’m talking about! On that note I’m going to say that you are definitely an original and thanks for giving us a few minutes of your time. We’ll be looking for great things from you in the very near future.
AE: Thank you so much! I had a lot of fun with this interview.
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
Congratulations
Since I conducted this interview with
___________________________________
Hey Students! Would you like to be featured in Elevate U and on the homepage of The Black Collegian Magazine?
I'm looking for successful student leaders and student entrepreneurs to interview for a segment of Elevate U called Inside the Mind. If you are interested then email your BRIEF bio, resume, and photo to Al @ Al The Inspiration Duncan
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Getting in the Game -- Pursuing a Career in Sports
Hip-Hop Students Learn to Study to the Beat
10 Powerful Networking Questions
The power of networking is common knowledge nowadays. What’s not so common is knowing how to consistently and effectively do it. Networking is simple, but far from easy.
Whenever I’m speaking to a group about networking at least one person asks, “But what do you say (or talk about) when you first meet someone?” And someone else will inevitably ask, “What do you say (or do) when there’s a lull in the conversation?”
My response to both questions is the same. First decide if the person is really in the mood to talk to you. If you feel like someone doesn’t really want to talk to you, it’s no big deal. Move on to someone else.
If the person seems willing to engage in conversation then remember this. It’s one of the supreme laws of networking.
Make fewer statements; ask more questions.
The timeless advice offered by Dale Carnegie in How to Win Friends & Influence People is that you “allow the other person to do a great deal of the talking.”
The easiest way to keep the other person talking and loving you the entire time is to ask the right kind of open-ended questions.
Why?
Because open-ended questions require more than a yes or no response and show that you are interested in the other person. These types of questions help to build and maintain rapport.
Here are 10 powerful networking questions – listed in no particular order – to keep awkward silence and fruitless small talk at bay. The insightful answers to these questions keep conversations moving once you get past “Where are you from?” and “So, what brings you here today?”
1. How did you get involved in…?
People like to tell their story. Give them an opportunity to do so while you listen attentively and they’ll love you.
VARIATIONS:
1a. What made you decide to major in…?
1b. What made you decide to attend (name of school)?
1c. What made you decide to go into the ___business?
1d. How did you get your start in the ___ business?
Whenever I’m speaking to a group about networking at least one person asks, “But what do you say (or talk about) when you first meet someone?” And someone else will inevitably ask, “What do you say (or do) when there’s a lull in the conversation?”
My response to both questions is the same. First decide if the person is really in the mood to talk to you. If you feel like someone doesn’t really want to talk to you, it’s no big deal. Move on to someone else.
If the person seems willing to engage in conversation then remember this. It’s one of the supreme laws of networking.
Make fewer statements; ask more questions.
The timeless advice offered by Dale Carnegie in How to Win Friends & Influence People is that you “allow the other person to do a great deal of the talking.”
The easiest way to keep the other person talking and loving you the entire time is to ask the right kind of open-ended questions.
Why?
Because open-ended questions require more than a yes or no response and show that you are interested in the other person. These types of questions help to build and maintain rapport.
Here are 10 powerful networking questions – listed in no particular order – to keep awkward silence and fruitless small talk at bay. The insightful answers to these questions keep conversations moving once you get past “Where are you from?” and “So, what brings you here today?”
1. How did you get involved in…?
People like to tell their story. Give them an opportunity to do so while you listen attentively and they’ll love you.
VARIATIONS:
1a. What made you decide to major in…?
1b. What made you decide to attend (name of school)?
1c. What made you decide to go into the ___business?
1d. How did you get your start in the ___ business?
2. What advice would you give me if I wanted to be successful in your line of work (or major)?
This is a great follow up question to #1. It shows your humility and allows for mentoring.
VARIATION:
What advice would you give someone just starting in this business/profession/major?
This is a great follow up question to #1. It shows your humility and allows for mentoring.
VARIATION:
What advice would you give someone just starting in this business/profession/major?
3. What do you love/enjoy most about what you do?
This question keeps happy feelings in the air.
And just in case you’re wondering whether or not it’s a good idea to ask what a person likes the least about what he or she does, the answer is no, unless you’re in the same line of work or major.
In which case, the answer will help you to find a common enemy IF you dislike the same things. If not, then disagreement ensues. My advice is to keep it positive whenever possible.
VARITATAION:
What do you love/enjoy most about your business/profession/major?
This question keeps happy feelings in the air.
And just in case you’re wondering whether or not it’s a good idea to ask what a person likes the least about what he or she does, the answer is no, unless you’re in the same line of work or major.
In which case, the answer will help you to find a common enemy IF you dislike the same things. If not, then disagreement ensues. My advice is to keep it positive whenever possible.
VARITATAION:
What do you love/enjoy most about your business/profession/major?
4. What separates you from the competition?
This question gives a person permission to tout his unique abilities. Be sure to ask this question in a polite and inquisitive tone of voice so that it doesn’t sound like you’re challenging the person.
VARIATIONS:
4a. What separates your business/company/organization from the competition?
4b. What separates your school from other schools like it?
VARIATIONS:
4a. What separates your business/company/organization from the competition?
4b. What separates your school from other schools like it?
5. What one thing would you do if you knew that you could not fail?
A truly thought provoking and inspiring question to ask. (You should ask yourself this question.) It helps and encourages a person to dream and when she revisits the dream there’s a chance that you’ll come to mind often. That’s powerful.
VARIARTIONS:
5a. What one thing would you do with your business if you knew that you could not fail?
5b.What one thing would you do if you knew you were guaranteed to succeed?
VARIARTIONS:
5a. What one thing would you do with your business if you knew that you could not fail?
5b.What one thing would you do if you knew you were guaranteed to succeed?
6. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your business?
People love to share war stories, but seldom get a chance to finish them because others interrupt with their own stories.
When you ask this question resist the temptation to interject your own horror tale. Remember – “let the other person do a great deal of the talking.”
VARIATIONS:
6a. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced at your school?
6b. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your organization? (e.g. Sorority or fraternity)
When you ask this question resist the temptation to interject your own horror tale. Remember – “let the other person do a great deal of the talking.”
VARIATIONS:
6a. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced at your school?
6b. What was the strangest or funniest incident you’ve experienced in your organization? (e.g. Sorority or fraternity)
7. What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession/area of expertise through the years?
Great question for cross-generational networking because it allows a person to reminisce about the good old days. The following variations are good for upper classmen and graduate students.
VARIATIONS:
7a. What significant changes have you seen take place at your school since you’ve been here?
7b. What significant changes have you seen take place in your major since you chose it?
VARIATIONS:
7a. What significant changes have you seen take place at your school since you’ve been here?
7b. What significant changes have you seen take place in your major since you chose it?
8. What do you see as the coming trends in your profession/area of expertise?
This is a great follow up question to #7. This shows a person that his opinions matter to you.
VARIATIONS:
8a. How do think your school will be different in the future?
8b. What do you see as the coming trends in your major?
8c. What do you think will change about your major in the future?
VARIATIONS:
8a. How do think your school will be different in the future?
8b. What do you see as the coming trends in your major?
8c. What do you think will change about your major in the future?
9. So, (person’s name), if someone were to describe you in one sentence what would she say?
Another very thought provoking question. Normally it is best used later in the conversation. You're not interviewing someone; you're networking.
VARIATIONS:
9a. If some were to describe your business/company/school in one sentence what would he say?
9b. What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business/organization/product?
Another very thought provoking question. Normally it is best used later in the conversation. You're not interviewing someone; you're networking.
VARIATIONS:
9a. If some were to describe your business/company/school in one sentence what would he say?
9b. What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business/organization/product?
10. It’s the end of a great week and you have some free time on your hands – what would you do?
This question will take someone to a happy place and help you to know her outside of professional or academic life.
VARIATION:
What do you like to do in your spare time?
BONUS:
The Million-Dollar Question:
What would make someone the ideal employee for your company or organization?
The information you glean from this answer is priceless. It will allow you to give a person exactly what he or she wants. It will also help you to position yourself as a great asset to the person and his company.
VARIATIONS:
a. How would you describe the ideal client/customer/prospect/employee for your company/organization?
b. What would make someone a perfect fit for your profession/major/school/company/organization?
There is no need to memorize all 11 of these questions. Just start off with the 3 or 4 you like the most. Master them and then give the others a test run.
Keep in mind that no question in the world will help you be a better networker if you are not truly interested in the other person.
So, be interested, ask questions, and let the other person do the talking.
This question will take someone to a happy place and help you to know her outside of professional or academic life.
VARIATION:
What do you like to do in your spare time?
BONUS:
The Million-Dollar Question:
What would make someone the ideal employee for your company or organization?
The information you glean from this answer is priceless. It will allow you to give a person exactly what he or she wants. It will also help you to position yourself as a great asset to the person and his company.
VARIATIONS:
a. How would you describe the ideal client/customer/prospect/employee for your company/organization?
b. What would make someone a perfect fit for your profession/major/school/company/organization?
There is no need to memorize all 11 of these questions. Just start off with the 3 or 4 you like the most. Master them and then give the others a test run.
Keep in mind that no question in the world will help you be a better networker if you are not truly interested in the other person.
So, be interested, ask questions, and let the other person do the talking.
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