• What is Copywriting?
    • Why Become a Copywriter?
  • Blog
    • Most Popular
    • Growth & Development
    • Portfolio
    • Business Development
    • Book Recommendations
    • Looking for Work
    • Copy Tactics
    • Definitions
  • Podcast
  • Copywriting Course
    • Comprehensive Copywriting Academy
    • CCA Login
    • Written Testimonials
    • Video Testimonials
  • Store
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • About Nicki
    • Contact Us
  • Copywriter Jobs

Filthy Rich Writer

Write copy, make money, be happy!

Tips, Tools and Training for New and Aspiring Copywriters

  • What does “Filthy Rich” mean? It means having a job you love, being good at what you do…and making great money doing it!

Copywriting Q&A: The One Question That Makes Networking Easy

By Nicki Krawczyk 12 Comments

one question to make networking easy
Say the word “networking” and most people grimace. But networking is both essential to building a career, and so much easier than most people think. Today, we’ll talk about just one question to ask that makes networking utterly painless. Read on…

Today’s question is from Felipe R., who asks, “I know I should network…but it intimidates me. I’m not big on talking to strangers. Do you have any tips to make it easier?”

Most people don’t enjoy talking to strangers. And, when it has to do with career advancement and connections, you can double that dislike.

The bad news is that networking (read: meeting new people in your industry) is crucial. You need a strong network to help you get work. Even though most people think the web is key to finding a job, some surveys indicate that up to 85% of jobs are found through networking!

And you can bet that goes for freelance work, too.

So, how can you be a better networker? The good news is that it’s much easier than you think.

When you’re in a situation that gives you an opportunity to network—whether it be a traditional networking event, or you just meet someone in an elevator who’s also in marketing/advertising—there’s only one question you need to ask to begin a conversation.

After you’ve introduced yourself to someone (“Hi, I’m Tom, I’m a copywriter”) and they tell you who they are and what they do, all you have to say is:

“How did you get into that?”

This question is perfect for three reasons. First, people like to talk about themselves and their stories. It’s an easy way for them to continue the conversation.

Second, you might learn something useful. Their “origin story” might give you ideas for how to build your own career.

And third, it’s an easy jumping off point for more conversations or questions. (“Interesting! How did you/When did you/What did you/etc.”) When they give you details about how they got started, you can just ask more questions about those details.

You can also tell your own story. (“I’m just getting started in copywriting, so that’s really interesting to hear. I knew I wanted to be a copywriter when…”)

Remember, above all, networking is just a conversation. It may feel stressful, but you’re really just two people talking.

And when you start out with that question, you’re doing everyone a favor—you’re giving them an easy topic to discuss.

Your turn! Do you have any other go-to networking questions or tactics? Let us know in the comments below!

Tweet
Share
Pin15
Share1
16 Shares

Filed Under: Business Development, Looking for Work

Interested in Copywriting? Get our Free Video Training!

Plus, get on the list for updates, freebies, and more :) 



About Nicki Krawczyk

Nicki is a copywriter, copy coach and the founder of Filthy Rich Writer. She's been writing copy for more than 15 years.

Comments

  1. Susan says

    September 15, 2019 at 3:07 pm

    “How did you get into that?” is SUCH a great open-ended question. Some of my previous careers gave me lots of practice talking to strangers and asking them open-ended questions (those that cannot be answered with a simple YES or a NO and require longer, more detailed answers). I am comfortable talking to strangers on my home turf (when greeting newcomers), but I start getting fearful when I think about talking to a stranger with the goal of getting copywriting business. I guess I have to convince myself that I can do something great to help their business (even when I am afraid I cannot). 🙁

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      September 16, 2019 at 12:10 pm

      Hi Susan,

      I know – I think I only know of a handful (out of dozens and dozens of people) who actually enjoy networking. But the more we do it, the easier it gets. And having a ready plan for doing it and initiating a conversations makes it easier still.

      Thanks for commenting!
      Nicki

      Reply
  2. Deneys Coombe says

    September 29, 2019 at 8:35 am

    I`am just starting out in this business, so despite my age, I am very green. What kind of meetings or conventions do you recommend for networking? Where can one find out about them?

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      September 29, 2019 at 5:53 pm

      Hi Deneys,

      A good place to start is just Googling “marketing association” and “advertising association” and your city. You’ll usually find at least a few groups worth looking into. It’s also worth looking to see what groups are on Meetup.com. Let me know how it goes! 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!
      Nicki

      Reply
  3. Jacki Johnson says

    April 18, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    Yes, I do like the introductory question”How did you get into that?” to get a conversation going. It really adds confidence and ease to starting a conversation with people you don’t know. Even though I am just starting my training with CCA, I am really getting a lot of very good information with these must read links! Thanks Nicki.

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      April 19, 2020 at 5:17 pm

      Hi Jacki,

      Yay! I’m glad it’s all helping. And yes – that question makes it soooo much easier to get a conversation going!

      Thanks for commenting!
      Nicki

      Reply
  4. Kalveen says

    May 3, 2020 at 12:25 am

    Hey Nicki,

    One ‘fear’ I have around networking with other marketing professionals is not knowing enough about marketing to really even hold a conversation or let alone pitch them (I’m new to copywriting and marketing) I guess that could be imposter syndrome or something else all together. When I talk to my friends in marketing I feel like they know so much about a lot of things that I simply fall short.

    Any tips to get over this?

    Reply
    • Nicki Krawczyk says

      May 4, 2020 at 6:40 am

      Hi Kalveen,

      Remember that networking isn’t about conveying how much you know; it’s about connecting and learning about other people. Asking questions will always take you farther and build stronger networks than telling people things. And you’re new: You’re not SUPPOSED to know a lot about marketing yet. That’s part of what you’re learning right now. 🙂

      Thanks for commenting!
      Nicki

      Reply
      • Max says

        May 20, 2020 at 11:08 pm

        I had the same reservation about networking in a marketing environment that Kalveen mentioned. I”m comfortable talking to strangers, but often feel the pressure to have to “add something” to a conversation in order to leave a lasting impression. I suppose asking the right questions in the right way can also do that.

        Reply
        • Nicki Krawczyk says

          May 21, 2020 at 8:40 am

          Hi Max,

          People are *always* interested in talking about themselves. 🙂 Coming into a networking event with questions about other people ensures that you’ll always have something to talk about.

          Thanks for commenting!
          Nicki

          Reply
          • Nadia Heyd says

            July 17, 2020 at 2:06 pm

            I’ll add something to this conversation, hopefully useful. It’s the old Maya Angelou nugget, that people might not remember what you say, but they’ll remember how you make them feel.

            When you ask question like “How did you get into that” you do a few things: You put people at ease because you are asking a question that a) they know the answer to, and b) is about themselves. And, people appreciate (feel good) when you show an interest in them. You might be their standout conversation of the event because you made them feel listened to.

            Networking events are great places to practice listening. If you ask good questions and show interest in what people are saying, they might reveal things that could become opportunities.

          • Nicki Krawczyk says

            July 20, 2020 at 2:07 pm

            Hi Nadia,

            These are great points – and listening can be so much easier than trying to come up with “interesting” things to say.

            Thanks for commenting!
            Nicki

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please follow & like us :)

Facebook
Facebook
fb-share-icon
Twitter
Visit Us
Follow Me
Tweet
Pinterest
Pinterest
fb-share-icon
Instagram

Search Posts By Topic

“

Break Into Copywriting

Sign up to get our FREE video training, special resources, and more!



“skills

Portfolio Tips

Why listing out all of your possible copywriting services may not be a great idea

Do You Need to List Your Copywriting Services on Your Portfolio Site?

Should I List Prices on My Copywriting Website?

4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio Websites

4 Things Most Copywriters Get Wrong on Their Portfolio Websites

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy

Comprehensive Copywriting Academy from Filthy Rich Writer

Join the copywriting training program that's helping people just like you build successful copywriting careers!

Recent Articles

  • Choosing a Business Structure as a Copywriter
  • How to Set Up Your Schedule When Working from Home
  • How to Make 2021 The Best Year Yet
  • A Great Reason to Reach Out to Past Copywriting Clients
  • Do You Need to List Your Copywriting Services on Your Portfolio Site?

Copyright 2021 Filthy Rich Writer | About Us | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy