Tips for successful One-On-One meetings with other members:
We suggest that you ask open-ended
questions at your meetings. These questions will give you more than a “yes or
no” response and show that you are interested. These types of questions help to
build and maintain rapport as well.
- How did you get involved in your line of
work/profession? People like to tell their story. Give them an
opportunity to do so while you listen attentively.
- What advice would you give someone just starting in your
line of work or business? This is a great follow-up question to #1.
- What do you enjoy most about what you do? What do you
like least? This tells you their level of passion.
- What separates you from the competition? This question gives you
permission to talk about what makes them unique and their
products/services.
- What was the strangest or funniest incident you have
experienced in your business? People like to share “war” stories, but seldom
get a chance to finish them because of interruptions. Remember to “let the
other person do a great deal of the talking”.
- What significant changes have you seen take place in
your profession and/or area of expertise through the years? Great question for
cross-generational networking as it allows a person to reminisce over
their years in their profession.
- What do you see as the trends in your profession and/or
area of expertise? This is a great follow-up question and shows the person
that her opinion matters to you.
- How would you describe the ideal
client/customer/prospect for your business? The information you glean from
this answer is priceless. It will also help you to position yourself as an
asset to the person, her business and helps you refer potential clients.
