As we all know, one of the greatest skills for building meaningful connections is being a good listener. But here’s an equally important, often overlooked skill: being a great question-asker.
To help you sharpen both, I’ve compiled a list of 45 thoughtful and engaging questions you can use at business networking events (or beyond!). These conversation starters are designed to fit various personalities and situations, ensuring your discussions are not only engaging but impactful.
Think of it as a workout for your “question-asking” and “listening” muscles.
?? Let me know which ones you’d try—or share your go-to questions below! ??
General Background
- What inspired you to get into your field or industry?
- How did you start your current business/job?
- What’s the most exciting project you’re working on right now?
- What’s your favorite part about what you do?
- How did you first discover your passion for what you do?
- What’s been the biggest turning point in your career so far?
- Who or what has influenced your career the most?
- What’s one accomplishment in 2024 you’re particularly proud of?
- If you weren’t in this field, what would you be doing instead?
Professional Goals and Challenges
- Are there any trends in your industry that you’re particularly excited (or concerned) about?
- What’s a common misconception people have about your work / profession / industry?
- What does your typical / ideal workday look like?
- What’s a skill you’re currently working on developing?
- What are your current goals for your business/career?
- What does success look like for you in the next year?
- What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
- What can other industries learn from yours?
- What’s the biggest challenge you’re facing in your work right now?
Collaboration and Connection
- Who is your ideal client or customer?
- What type of people or businesses are you hoping to connect with?
- Is there any way I can support you or your business?
- Are there any tools, resources, or contacts you’re currently looking for?
- Are there any events or groups you’ve found particularly useful for networking?
- Do you have a go-to strategy for building strong business relationships?
- What types of partnerships have worked well for you in the past?
- Who’s had a significant impact on your professional growth?
- Are you looking for any specific skills or expertise to collaborate with?
Personal Interests and Values
- What’s something you enjoy doing that’s completely different from your work?
- What motivates you in your career or business?
- If you could work on any passion project, what would it be?
- What’s one piece of advice that has shaped how you approach your work?
- What drives you to keep going when things get tough?
- Are there any causes or organizations you’re passionate about supporting?
- How do you balance work and personal life?
- What’s a book, podcast, or resource that’s really inspired you?
- What values are most important to you in business and life?
Fun and Unexpected
- What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
- What’s one thing people are often surprised to learn about you?
- If you could meet any business leader or entrepreneur, who would it be and why?
- If you had unlimited time and resources, what’s one problem you’d solve in your industry?
- What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
- If society could come together to solve one global problem, what do you think it should be?
- What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned in your career?
- If you could give your younger self one piece of career advice, what would it be?
- What’s one dream you’ve always wanted to pursue but haven’t yet?
Want to learn how to use these questions effectively? Join my Networking Masterclass for Jobseekers & Entrepreneurs on January 22nd (online). It’s the perfect opportunity to:
? Discover strategies for building authentic connections
? Create a personal networking plan tailored to your goals
? Practice powerful communication techniques
You’ll walk away with a clear action plan, confidence to connect, and tools to make 2025 your best networking year yet.
?? When: January 22nd, 2025
?? Who: Jobseekers, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to network with purpose
People & Culture Leader Insights zu Personalthemen in zukunftsf?higen Organisationen Mehr als 10 Jahre Erfahrung in der Leitung erfolgreicher HR Transformationen
1 个月Great questions Galina Bankova! It definitely helps to have them in your mind. Especially when conversations after the first introduction seem to fade out and nobody knows what to say anymore these questions can turn a conversation around! ????
Helping scale-up companies become fulfilling workplaces full of engaged people as interims leader, online courses, a leadership program, workshops, and bespoke consulting.
1 个月I noted down “What are trends in your industry that you’re particularly excited (or concerned) about?” Thanks for sharing Galina.
Greetings to all the question-askers out there—in every shape and form! ?? Keep asking, keep listening, stay curious, and create space for deeper conversations. Let’s light up the sparks that come from truly hearing one another!