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!
“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). 🙁
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
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?
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
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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
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.
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
I currently work in Higher Education and networking is an important part of professional development in any field. I have learned through the years that one of the key aspects of networking effectively is acknowledging the importance of personal story. Asking someone how they got into their line of work is showing an interest in their life journey. When you focus the conversation on the story of the person you’re talking to it creates a comfortable space for them to open up and allows trust to develop.
Hi Jill,
I completely agree – and when you focus on someone’s story, you’re making it about *them* instead of you and that always facilitates a better conversation and, eventually, relationship.
Thanks for commenting!
Nicki