pssst… you… yes, you.

When we meet for the first time, I beg you – please stop asking this generic question.

I wholeheartedly believe the number one question we ask people (in the USA) when we meet at networking events is the wrong one.

You know what it is…
You ask it, aLOT…
You are likely thinking it right now…
and maybe event saying it out loud.  ;)

Yep, it is–> What do you do for a living?

Seriously – why do we ask this question right off the bat?

• Most people are not working in their ideal job or fulfilling their purpose in it.
• Most people do not LOVE what they do.
• Most people muddle through answering this question – even when they do enjoy their job.

In general, it is a poor way to start a conversation.  What if you are uninterested in what they do or have had negative experiences with their profession?  Then what?  Where do you go from there?  What if they share they actually abhor their job, are miserably unemployed, or are uncomfortable sharing what they do?  Having worked with real estate agents for 12+ years and in a season where many of my friends are blessed to be stay at home parents – trust me – this gets awkward – FAST.

What do most people adore talking about instead?

What question would most people you meet prefer to be asked?

Yep, you guessed it…

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN?

We all have things we love to do.  (Well, I guess there are some people who don’t do anything for fun… However, if you DO like to have fun and share your passions – you will know if you are meant to connect anyway – right?)

Most of us have dreams, passions, charities we are passionate about, and goals we want to share.

Your mission–> start asking people what they do for fun… what they get lost in… what they are passionate about right now!

These questions create a memorable first meeting… and you learn so much more about someone with this conversation starter.

Trust me, you will get around to talking about “what you do for a living”.  When you do, be sure to have your answer (aka your niche statement) together and ready to knock their socks off.  Check out this post for tips and tricks on formulating YOURS!

Okay… are YOU ready to get out there and be MEMORABLE at the next networking event or happy hour you attend?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:
1. Put on your favorite party bling…
2. Ask this “fun” question…
3. Share your fabulously divine niche statement!

Happy connecting, my friends!