07 Nov Want to be memorable? Ask me this… #FireMeUp11
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!
David Pylyp (@DavidPylyp)
Posted at 16:34h, 07 NovemberI say to people; Tell me about yourself!
david pylyp
#bythewater #Toronto
Debra Trappen
Posted at 16:58h, 07 NovemberI love that, David! Most people love to share about themselves, so you learn a lot about them with that question too! :)
Jody Bossert
Posted at 07:08h, 08 NovemberI love this, Debra! I own hair salons and this is a staple in my repertoire of interview questions. I’m not sure if this is common in other industries, but I’m always blown away at how many hair stylists can’t answer this. Most fumble around and finally respond with “spending time with my boyfriend” or “going to the movies”. This question, more than any other, tells me about who they truly are.
Rosi
Posted at 14:55h, 08 NovemberI love thinking about the things people ‘get lost in’ – What makes you forget to eat or go to the bathroom…. If that’s not your current job, how could you make it your job? Great post. Thanks, Debra. :o)
Steve Babbitt
Posted at 08:41h, 26 JanuaryHave you always wore red lipstick? It does look good on you with your hair color!
Debra Trappen
Posted at 07:58h, 02 FebruaryEvery woman has a shade of empowering red lipstick that is perfect for her… Thank you for the compliment, Steve!
kelly
Posted at 11:58h, 20 MarchSuch a great post. I just read this again. Someone finally said what we’re all thinking ! Thank you ! I used to coach an old boyfriend to get his friends to veer off business talk with me at social events. So much more good stuff to talk about !!