My magic networking question

I've found that networking is one of the hardest times to be human at work -- it feels so artificial and awkward. In the last few years I've gone from zero to networking as a full-time job, and I'm dedicating my next few articles to this topic. Let's get started by focusing on the first few seconds!

Awkward beginnings

When you're in a networking chat, it's probably because of one of these reasons:

• You've been introduced because you have a common interest
• You've asked for an intro because you want something from this person
• You're attending a networking event and have been put together

In all of these situations, the first few seconds can be awkward. You don't know each other, there's some kind of exchange that's supposed to happen but the rules aren't clear, and nobody knows how to start. 

My magic phrase

I've found that if I take the lead with a simple phrase, things go easier. Here's what I say:

"Great to meet you. Can I give you some context about why we're meeting?"

This phrase does a few jobs:

• Avoids the awkward "who talks first" question
• Gets to the point quickly
• Sets it up so you can ask for something

Setting the context and your "ask"

Here are a few examples of how you could follow this magic phrase, including your "ask":

XXXX suggested that we should chat because we're both fundraising for our startups at the moment -- I'm in stage YYYY and I'd love to swap notes - how are you getting on? 

I asked XXX to introduce us because you have a lot of experience in YYYY, and I'm just learning about YYYY. As I mentioned in my email, I'd love to ask a few questions.

This is my first time at X event. I'm here because I'm a junior developer looking for a new role. I saw that your platform is built on blockchain, which I have experience in - I'd love to hear more about your platform.

It's okay to ask

I can't stress this enough: it's okay to want something from a networking meeting, and it's also okay to be upfront about that! If you're talking to someone experienced, they are expecting to hear an "ask" and are already primed to help. This technique will help you get to that ask quickly and with minimal awkwardness. 

What else about networking would you like me to chat about? Let me know in the comments!

Being Human at Work

This article is republished from my newsletter, Being Human At Work. You can see the latest articles before they appear on LinkedIn by signing up for free here.