We’ve all been to the cocktail party or the networking event where we get bombarded by the person who wants to talk about themselves the entire time. Worse is the person who asks you the sort of questions that they use for screening potential customers. To them you are just another notch in the belt so to speak. You know as well as I do that this is not the way to start a business relationship.
Great relationships start with great questions. This is true in life and in business. When you meet someone for the first time the goal is to learn as much about them as you possibly can.
You gain this information by asking questions like:
Tell me more about your business?
What draws you to that area of business?
What types of people or businesses work with you?
What are your hobbies?
How long have you been doing it?
Where are you having success?
What’s been the biggest challenge?
What types of people are you looking to connect with?
Why do I want to ask these questions? First I want to understand their business and where they are at in their business. I also want to see what they are interested in, personally and professionally. Then I want to see what they need.
Why do I want to know what a new connection needs?
I want to see how I can create value for that new connection. Not value someday but value right now. When you give someone value upfront, it shows that you are interested in creating a relationship with some substance and that you are someone who is willing to give before you receive. You may even show that you are willing to give even though you will never receive.
Why would you do that?
Because that new connection has friends who may need you someday. Building connections is all about building that social web.
If you want people to be invested in your success then invest in their success first. Dollars follow value. Success follows building great relationships. Great questions will get you there.