I had an interesting experience earlier this week. I scheduled a meeting with someone I wanted to network with. We'd met a couple of times before, but never had the chance to really get to know each other individually. (Remember, Networking doesn't happen at networking events... You have to meet one on one).

This meeting for some reason just felt difficult. The problem was that we weren't really connecting. We hadn't found very much common ground. I just continued to listen hoping I could find something to open them up.

Then it happened. They mentioned running and I saw something in their eye. So I asked a question or two. That's all it took. We talked for a good 15 minutes about Marathons and training and how they started. The whole meeting changed completely. We both left feeling great.

The secret was finding passion. Find something that someone is passionate about. It might be running, their family, a hobby, with entrepreneurs it's often their companies. Whatever it is find it, and start asking questions. You'll open the door to a great connection.

Happy Networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com