Speed networking events provide a valuable opportunity to make many new connections in a short period of time. However, with only a few minutes per interaction, it’s important to have a strategy to make the most of each conversation. Asking the right questions is key to learning about someone’s business, assessing compatibility for future collaborations, and leaving a positive impression.
When preparing questions for a speed networking event, focus on learning about the other person and their professional background. Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” The goal is to spark an interesting dialogue that flows naturally in the limited time. Open-ended questions will give you the most insight into the other person.
Here are some quick tips for developing an effective speed networking strategy:
- Prepare 10-15 questions in advance to keep the conversation moving.
- Start with an icebreaker question to build rapport quickly.
- Ask follow-up questions to show interest in what they share.
- Listen closely without thinking about what you’ll say next.
- Wrap up with an action item, such as exchanging business cards.
With some thoughtful preparation, you can make the most of your brief interactions. Use the following examples to develop your own list of speed networking questions.
Icebreaker Questions
It’s important to start each speed networking conversation on a friendly, personable note. An icebreaker question helps break down barriers quickly so you can have a natural interaction. Avoid launching right into business talk before establishing a connection.
Here are some icebreaker questions to help kick off the conversation:
- How’s your day going so far?
- Have you attended this event before?
- What’s the best networking tip you’ve ever heard?
- Is there someone interesting you’ve met so far today?
- What brought you out to this event?
A thoughtful icebreaker eases you both into the conversation naturally. It also reveals information about why the other person is attending the event and what they hope to get out of it.
Business and Career Questions
The core of your speed networking conversation should focus on business and career topics. The goal is to discover overlapping interests, possibilities for future collaboration, and areas where you can support each other’s professional goals.
Some examples of business and career questions include:
- What industry do you work in?
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- What do you enjoy most about your work?
- What current projects or initiatives keep you busy?
- What led you to your particular field or business?
- What professional organizations or associations are you part of?
- What are your goals for this year?
- How do you measure success in your business?
Ask open-ended follow-up questions to dig deeper into their answers. This shows your interest in learning more about them.
Making Connections
Part of speed networking is uncovering ways you may be able to help each other succeed. Explore opportunities for future collaborations and connections. Offer your own expertise and perspectives on their business or career goals.
Some examples of making connections include:
- Who else do you know here that I should connect with?
- How could we potentially work together?
- Would you be interested in guest posting on my blog?
- Are you looking to expand your professional network?
- Is there a possible opportunity for referrals?
- What advice do you have for someone in my field/role?
Making purposeful connections is key to developing relationships that extend beyond the speed networking event itself.
Wrapping Up
As your time comes to an end, close the conversation on an actionable note. Conclude with a specific follow-up that provides value.
Here are some examples of strong speed networking wrap-ups:
- Let’s exchange business cards and connect on LinkedIn.
- I’ll send you the link to that book/article/resource we discussed.
- Would you like to grab coffee in the next few weeks?
- Can I introduce you to a colleague who has complementary expertise?
- I’ll reach out in a month to follow up on your goals.
Ending the conversation with a concrete next step cements the connection and the possibility for an ongoing professional relationship.
Avoid Yes/No Questions
While preparing your speed networking questions, be cautious about phrasing questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” For example:
- Do you enjoy your work?
- Are you looking to expand your network?
- Do you attend many events like this?
These closed-ended questions don’t provide an opening for a deeper conversation. The other person can answer quickly and the dialogue is likely to stall out.
Keep your questions open-ended to spark an interesting back-and-forth that reveals valuable insights into the other person, their business, and their goals.
Read Body Language
When choosing speed networking questions, be adaptable based on the other person’s verbal and nonverbal cues. Is their body language open and engaged or closed-off? Do they expand on their answers or give quick, surface-level responses?
Adjust your approach to match their communication style. With a talkative networker, your role will be mostly listening and asking follow-up questions. For those less forthcoming, pose questions to draw them out and gently guide the conversation.
Paying attention to body language and listening carefully enables you to tailor your interactions to maximize each person’s engagement.
Do Your Homework
Researching attendees ahead of time enables you to prepare questions specific to them and their interests. Many events provide networking profiles for this reason. When possible, review the attendee list and visiting company pages to identify potential connection points.
For example, you may ask:
- I see that you work with several charities. Which ones are you most passionate about?
- Your company specializes in software development. Are those services open to partnering with other firms?
- What emerging trends in your field most interest you?
This extra level of personalization makes a memorable impression and gets conversations started on the right foot. The other person will recognize you took time to understand their business and priorities.
Creativity Counts
While having a prepared list of speed networking questions is helpful, don’t be afraid to think on your feet. Framing questions in creative ways can pique the other person’s interest and lead to unique insights you wouldn’t get from a standard question.
For example, instead of asking “What do you do?”, try:
- “What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on recently?”
- “What drew you to your particular career?”
- “What do you geek out on professionally?”
Embrace your curiosity and let the conversation flow organically. The rapport you establish will enable more open and honest exchanges.
Practice Active Listening
The key to maximizing your limited one-on-one time is being fully engaged in each conversation. Avoid thinking ahead to what you’ll say next or scanning the room while the other person is speaking. Instead, make eye contact and focus exclusively on what they are sharing.
Reflect back what you hear: “I understand you’re hoping to expand your services for non-profits in the coming year…” This shows you have been listening closely and retain the details.
Active listening strengthens connections immeasurably. The other person will come away feeling heard and respected.
Show Authentic Interest
Speed networking conversations should be professional exchanges that also reveal your personality. While you want to learn about the other person, share a bit about yourself too. The more open you are, the more likely they will reciprocate. This mutual sharing breeds authentic relationship building.
For example, if they ask about your work, give a brief overview then add what you personally enjoy most. Drop in details that show you’re human too. Finding common ground in hobbies, passions or life outside work often leads to the strongest connections.
Give Value
When networking, always aim to provide value rather than just take it. Think about how you can be helpful to the person you’re speaking with. Offer advice on their business dilemmas, suggest an introduction that could benefit them, or share resources that can help them achieve their goals.
Giving value sets the stage for reciprocity. They’ll be eager to return the favor down the road.
Collect Contact Information
Be sure to exchange contact information with each person for follow up. Collect their business card, and have plenty of your own cards ready to share. Jot down notes on the back of their card highlighting something memorable from the conversation.
Follow up within a day or two referencing your discussion. This could be an email, LinkedIn connection, shared resource, or invitation to continue the dialogue over coffee. Maintaining this post-event contact is key for turning speed networking conversations into ongoing professional relationships.
Reflect on What You Learned
After the event, take time to review your experience and how you can optimize future networking interactions. What questions garnered the best responses? What follow-up strategies were most effective? Anything you would change?
Regular self-assessment will strengthen your networking skills exponentially. Strive to improve each time you participate in speed networking or any networking activity.
Conclusion
Preparing strategic questions is one of the best ways to maximize short speed networking conversations. Use icebreakers, career and business questions, and connection-building to spark meaningful dialogues. Listen actively, share authentically, and always offer value. With practice, you’ll become adept at learning about potential collaborators quickly while also making a positive and memorable impression.