I've just returned from vacation with Emily. After a couple of days in Cleveland, OH for her cousin's wedding we visited with Emily's parents outside of Syracuse, NY. On our way to the airport we stopped at a Chinese restaurant for dinner. I actually got a descent fortune from my fortune cookie:


"Questions provide the key to unlocking our unlimited potential."

Wow! A fortune cookie that gives networking advice.

Questions are a truly powerful tool when it comes to building good solid relationships.

In Dale Carnegie's book: How to Win Friends & Influence People Mr. Carnegie tells us that to become a good conversationalist we must listen. He tells a story about being at a party and having a conversation with someone. In that conversation all he really does is listen. Later, this person describes him as a great conversationalist.

The secret is active listening, and questions are the key ingredient to ative listening. Through questions we can learn all sorts of things about someone. Not only will you learn more about the person you're networking with, they'll also think more highly of you since you're genuinely interested in them.

The best way to do this is by asking open ended questions that can't be answered by a simple yes or no. Get them talking. Learn about them, their background, their family, etc.

Ask good questions and unlock your own unlimited potential.

Happy networking!

Scott Ingram
NetworkInAustin.com