Use THIS 3 Word Question At Your Next Networking Event

Yeah, asking a good question at a networking event is cool.

You know what’s cooler?

A great follow up question.

And there is a three worded one that can peel back the layer of general chit-chat and niceties.

One small question, one big impact on your conversations.

Let me explain.

Picture the scene:

You’re at an event, meet someone, asked them how they’ve been or how business is.

You know, the standard opening questions at networking events, right?

At this point, I bet you’ve been on the receiving end of someone telling you how busy they are?

And you’re nodding along smiling and saying how great that is?

But not really knowing what to ask next? Or how you can even help them?

Firstly, cut them some slack if so.

It’s a very common response you’ll hear when networking.

One you may even respond with yourself (if so, it’s time to drop the ego.)

But if on the receiving end of it, there’s a simple three worded follow up question to open the conversation.

Which is:

“In what way?”

Three simple words, one powerful question.

But by asking “in what way?” you give them chance to provide insight that allows you both to drive the conversation forward.

In a genuinely curious and non-intrusive manner.

Let’s play it out:

Them: “I’m super busy right now, we’re snowed under.”

You: “Great to hear - in what way?”

From here, you might find out:

• Current trends in their industry and market conditions
• The types of clients they work with
• The type of work they do
• Activity within their company - e.g. new hires, office move, etc
• They aren’t actually super busy after all - and it was just a reflex response

You’ll be surprised what you can unearth by being genuinely curious and interested when someone says they are super busy.

“In what way?” helps get you there.

And it works the other way.

For the (rare) occasion when someone responds openly with a challenge, or the reality of their current circumstances not being so rosy.

“In what way?” peels back the layers to help you help them.

Allowing them to share what they feel comfortable doing so.

For example:

Them: “We could be busier, not having the kind of quarter I expected.”

You: “Sorry to hear, in what way?

You might learn about:

• A challenge someone in your network can help them with
• A introduction you can make
• A situation someone you know has experienced
• A situation you’ve experienced!

Rather than simply acknowledging it and trying to find another angle of conversation to avoid that issue or an awkward silence, “in what way” is where you’ll be able to support them.

The Wrap Up

Next event you’re at, try it.

“In what way?” helps them as much as it helps you.

It opens up the conversation, creates some vulnerability, and could be the spark you need to ignite the conversation.

Want better conversations at events? Ask better questions.

In this case - 3 words, 1 highly powerful question.

In. What. Way.

I hope this helps.

Happy networking.

​Bradley​

P.S. for more improvements to your conversations when networking, The Networkers Playbook is for you. The first online course for those new to networking. Or even those looking to improve and learn how to enhance their networking ways.