Networking 101: How to Conduct a Productive Networking Conversation
This post is part of our Networking 101 series for college students, new grads, someone looking to re-enter the workforce, or anyone looking for ways to expand their professional networks.
Image credit: Frank Leuderalbert @ Unsplash
Networking can be daunting for many people, but with a little preparation, it can lead to productive and valuable conversations. When you take the initiative to set up a call with someone, it's important to have a general outline for how you want to conduct the conversation. This can help you stay focused and ensure that you get the most out of your time together. Preparing ahead of time for your meeting will also help quell any nerves you may have about meeting a stranger.
When you’re new to networking, it’s a good practice to enter the conversation with a clear goal and outline. It’ll show that you value the other person’s time and can conduct yourself professionally. When you become more practiced, we highly suggest allowing the conversation to flow naturally. You might be pleasantly surprised by the direction it takes and what you might learn!
An essential outline for a networking call
Thank them for taking the time to speak to you.
Spend a minute reiterating why you reached out and thank the person for taking time out of their busy schedule to speak with you.
Introduce yourselves.
This may seem like a small detail, but it sets the tone for the conversation and helps establish a connection between you and the person you're speaking with. Spend about 3-5 minutes sharing a brief overview of who you are and your career journey so far. Share what has brought you to where you are now and what motivates you to do the work that you do. Share any relevant challenges you’re facing and what brought you to the call. Then allow the other person to do the same. While they are introducing themselves, you might find that new questions pop up that you’d like to ask. Jot them down so that you don’t forget to ask.
Ask questions.*
Think about what you want to learn from this person and what information or advice could be helpful to you. This is your chance to ask the other person specific questions that you’ve prepared that get to the heart of why you reached out to them in the first place. Don't be afraid to ask open-ended questions that allow for a more in-depth response. For example, instead of asking "What do you do?" try asking "What inspired you to pursue your current career path?" See the section below for some additional questions to ask.
Offer support.
Even if you set up the networking call, it’s always a best practice to ask the other person how you can support them in their journey. Remember that networking is about building a mutually beneficial professional relationship. Be sure to offer up whatever you can provide the other person. Maybe you have a skill or resource that could be helpful to them, or maybe you can make a valuable introduction. If you’re new to your career and not sure how to support, offer an open line of communication or future support with a challenge that they’re facing. The gesture will be appreciated and signals to the other person that you are someone that cares and wants to stay connected beyond this 30 minute meeting.
Close out with a plan to stay connected.
Before you end the call, determine how you’ll follow up on an ask or stay connected in the future. This could be as simple as sending an email to thank them for their time or scheduling a follow-up call to check in. The key is to show that you value their time and input and that you're committed to maintaining the connection. Lastly, thank them again for taking the time to speak with you!
Image credit: wildlittlethingsphoto @ Unsplash
Sample questions for a productive networking meeting
*Keep some go-to questions for introductory networking conversations in your back pocket. You’ll want to ask questions about things that are important to you, and if you reached out about a specific challenge you’re facing, be sure to tailor your questions to get the answers you’re looking for. If you reached out just to get to know someone better and are looking for generalized questions, here are a few of our favorites:
What challenges have you faced to get to where you are now in your career?
What are some resources you’ve found most helpful to support your growth?
What is the biggest professional challenge you're facing right now?
How have you successfully navigated [specific challenge that you’ve both faced in the workplace] in the past?
What's a professional accomplishment/project you're proud of right now? What made it great, and what could have made it even better?
How are you thinking about your own development and growth right now (personally, professionally, or both)?
Are there any people or tools that have been particularly helpful to you in establishing yourself in your career?
Your first meeting will be a mix of getting to know each other and finding how you can support one another’s growth and career journey. But remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to networking, and the most important thing is to be true to yourself and let your unique personality and skills shine through. In conversation, be honest about yourself, your challenges, your accomplishments, and what you want in your career! People appreciate honesty and humility, and most people genuinely want to help find solutions.
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