Handy Networking Questions to Establish Rapport

Handy Networking Questions to Establish Rapport Oxlock Fotolia.com Even if youre an extrovert, it can be an unnerving experience to meet a new person, let alone a whole group. Breaking the ice with someone you dont know is a necessary skill in this networking age, and is crucial to both your career and your personal life. Embrace this challenge and have fun getting to know what these people have to offer. I came across a blog post by Rebekah Radice with a list of no-fail questions to establish meaningful relationships on social media, and realized many of them would also work well in face-to-face networking settings. For example, you could ask someone Do you like movies? and then follow up with Rebekahs, Whats one movie you could watch over and over? There are so many genres of movies Im sure youll never hear the same answer twice! Youre sure to learn a lot about the persons personality. (Martins answer: The Italian Job the 1969 original, not the 2003 remake.) She also has, If you could retire tomorrow, what would you do? This will inspire the other person to speak about whats important to them, and will bring more enthusiasm and fun into your conversation. (Martins answer: A spending spree at Holt Renfrew and Harry Rosen, including gifts for all my friends!) Find out if the person prefers cats or dogs. There is no wrong answer, unless of course you happen to be a cat lover or a dog lover. (Martins answer: I love both! I dont have a dog right now because I travel so much.) If you were in a band, what instrument would you play? Whether or not you are musical, every instrument has a personality of its own, and a unique role in the band. (Martins answer: I would play the trumpet because its very powerful and resonating, echoing throughout the space.) If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be? Food is always a popular topic. (Martins answer: Can beer be a food? Chocolate would also be good it even has some health benefits!) What is your favourite time of the year, and why? (Martins answer: Fall, with its fresh air and beautiful colours (photo). The only downside is that youre sliding into winter.) What sort of questions do you ask when you meet people for the first time? The floor is yours