Asking the Right Questions in Networking

The Art of Asking Questions - The most important skill in Corporates One of the most valuable skills in the corporate world is knowing how to ask the right questions. Over time, I’ve realized that good questions don’t just gather information—they shape discussions, uncover insights, and drive decisions. Here’s what I’ve learned: 1. Don’t ask for the sake of asking. Thoughtless questions add noise, not value. A well-placed question shows genuine curiosity and strategic thinking. 2. Always follow up if you’re not satisfied. If an answer feels incomplete or vague, don’t hesitate to probe deeper. The best insights often come from follow-up questions. 3. Frame your questions well. Instead of asking, “Is the company doing well?”, ask, “What key metrics indicate the company’s growth this quarter?” Precision matters. 4. Be an active listener. The best questions come from truly understanding the discussion. Don’t just wait for your turn to speak—engage with the responses. 5. Challenge assumptions. Don’t take things at face value. A simple “Why do we do it this way?” can lead to breakthrough ideas and efficiency improvements. 6. Ask open-ended questions. Avoid questions that lead to simple “yes” or “no” answers. Instead of “Did you like the project?”, ask, “What aspects of the project worked well, and what could be improved?” 7. Read the room. Timing and context are everything. The right question at the right moment can change the direction of a conversation entirely. Mastering the art of asking questions can set you apart in any professional setting. What’s a question that has helped you unlock valuable insights at work? Let’s discuss! #CareerGrowth #CorporateSkills #AskingTheRightQuestions #Communication

I stood at the edge of the corporate world.  Behind me: 20 years of steady bonuses and familiar faces.  Ahead: The unknown world of starting anew. One step and I'd be in free fall. I took that step. Mid-fall, I realized I needed a parachute, one built of connections and insight. So I started weaving. I reached out to 100+ leaders who'd made this leap before. CXOs, Founders, Innovators on every continent. The results floored me: • 99 out of 100 strangers said yes (Only one person said "I'm too busy" for this) • Our talks sparked 'aha' moments (For them, they said, not just me. Win-win!) • I scored a dream team of cheerleaders (From strangers to wise guides) Here's the three principles I used: 🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 • Don't just ask what they do, ask "What made you pick this?"  • Ask "What twists happened in your career plot?" • Ask "What drives to do this even today?" 🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 • Ask "What unexpected challenge came up?"  • Ask "What expectations are unfulfilled?" • Ask "What are you still figuring out?" 🌟 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 • Ask "What's one piece of advice you would give to someone in my position?"  • Ask "Who else would you recommend I meet?" • Use the advice to shape your new path. The lesson? Networking isn't about collecting contact cards. It's about curiosity and connection. What one new insight have you uncovered through networking? Photo: me with Peter Bostelmann. One curious chat turned my hero into my mentor. #LinkedInNewsAsia #Networking #Entrepreneurship #EmotionalIntelligence

“I’m looking for an accountant.” That’s all I said at a networking event. Before I could finish explaining why, a founder jumped in: “Have you thought about building an AI agent to do the work instead?” And just like that, I was reminded why so many promising products fail to gain traction. 🙉 The founder wasn’t listening. 🙊 He didn’t ask a single question about what I needed. 🔨 He had a hammer—and I was just another nail. In 15+ years working with startups, I’ve seen this mistake over and over again: Founders pitch solutions before they understand the problem. It’s why I often recommend the book 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙢 𝙏𝙚𝙨𝙩 by Rob Fitzpatrick or, more recently, 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙦𝙪𝙞𝙧𝙮 by Edgar Schein. The message is simple but powerful: Ask more, tell less. Especially early on. Because when you lead with your pitch instead of curiosity, you lose people. You miss what really matters. And you make it all about you. That moment at the event? It could’ve been a relationship starter. Instead, it was just another awkward sales pitch I couldn’t wait to escape. Here’s the shift that builds relationships: ✅ Ask open-ended questions. ✅ Be curious about the other person’s reality. ✅ Don’t try to win the conversation—try to learn from it. Great founders don’t dominate rooms. They unlock them—with the right question, at the right time. #HumbleInquiry #entrepreneurialjourney #customerdiscovery

Hot take: Networking isn't about you. Or, at least it shouldn't be, if it's part of your business development strategy. Part of my work with my clients is to map out their network and strategize who may introduce them to, or provide opportunities to get in front of, their ideal clients. Once we've identified a few key contacts to approach, the first question I ask is: ❓ What does this person really want? More often than not, I find even my highly self-aware and empathetic clients can't answer this question, even for network contacts they've known for years — and it puts them at a distinct disadvantage. When done well, connecting with peers, colleagues and valued contacts is a generous and reciprocal exchange that is not one-and-done — and to build business via networking means understanding what your contacts want out of life and career, and what matters most to them. 🗣 Story time: A friend of mine came to me last year with a problem. She had a former colleague who had risen to the c-suite of a major corporation while she was building her consultancy. They used to enjoy regular drinks and catch-ups, but as she focused on growing her business, she noticed their meetings became more sporadic, shorter and hasty. Upon reflection, she realized that she was so laser-focused on building her business she had been asking her contact for favors and referrals without understanding her needs and desires. 💡 She was determined to rebuild the relationship, so I suggested she schedule another meeting and go in with one objective only: discover what she wanted and needed in her life — with no selfish intentions. To her delight, she opened up like the old days, revealing that despite her success, she felt disconnected from her peers, as well as from the new generation of leaders that was emerging at her company. As it turned out, my friend was looking to bring c-suite partners together in a peer group as part of her business development strategy. My friend shared this intention, and her contact was thrilled at the opportunity to get together with peers from different industries, excited to connect with other who might be feeling similarly. She was so excited that she offered up her swanky Manhattan office as the venue for the gathering and invited other influential leaders, as well! 🏆 We call that a win-win. This is just one story that has convinced me that in this business world, where self-promotion often overshadows authentic connections, networking is most beneficial when approached as an act of giving. By genuinely listening and enquiring about others' lives, we open up personal and professional opportunities that we never imagined possible. So, as you strategize who to connect or re-connect within your network and identify key contacts, ask yourself: "What does this person want?" If you don't know, make it your mission to find out. My bet is that you'll both win.

"When's the last time you cried in front of someone?" I heard this question last night when I was listening to an episode of the Slow Burn podcast. Charles Duhigg [Supercommunicators, The Power of Habit] was interviewing behavioral scientist Nick Epley, who's invited thousands of strangers to sit down and ask each other 36 questions, divided into three sets. Each set goes deeper, increasing the level of personal disclosure. That progression, called the "Fast Friends Procedure," has been shown to quickly create a real sense of connection between complete strangers. This wasn't small talk. The question I opened with is adapted from the final one in the sequence. What followed for participants wasn't discomfort. It was a genuine sense of connection. Because the right question doesn't just gather info. It builds trust. In Supercommunicators, Duhigg looks at how transformative conversations aren't about having the perfect words. They happen when someone asks the kind of question that reveals what matters most. Then stays long enough to hear the answer. In sales, we call it discovery. But let's be honest. Discovery can often feel more like a polite interrogation, no? A checklist. A smile, then a slide. [Ever been slide-decked into oblivion?] Genuine discovery doesn't sound like that. It's not louder - it's braver. Not faster - more tuned in. It's curiosity, grounded in empathy, shaped by preparation, and driven by respect. It starts with research. It's guided by empathy. It resists the urge to lead, while holding space for reflection. Warren Berger, in "A More Beautiful Question" [one of my all-time favorites] writes that the most powerful questions are "ambitious, yet actionable." But what's just as important - especially in leadership and sales - is that they're also generous. Not looking to corner. They invite. Questions like: - "Where might precision be giving the appearance of alignment, even when people feel something's off?" - What decisions rely on reporting you wish you had more confidence in?" - Where could a sense of control be masking uncertainty - making clarity harder to reach?" - What insights are hardest to surface with the tools and processes you have today?" In my world and among the leaders I serve - I want to get better at these kinds of questions, rather than: - "What's your biggest challenge?" - "Where do you see room for improvement?" - "What tools are you using today?" - "Tell me about your process?" One set seeks efficiency. The other seeks understanding. One aims to qualify. The other aims to connect. I'm reminding myself that sometimes, the most powerful thing you can bring into a conversation isn't a question designed to close. It might be a question that opens - space, perspective and people. Not every question is a tactic. Some are a signal that you're willing to listen before you lead. That's the kind of presence I'm working to bring with me more often - one question at a time.

Want to be a good networker without being too cringy? Here are my tips for success: I call it The SCHMOOZE Method because isn't that what it is? S – Skip the Boring Intro Nobody cares about your official title, hook people with a killer oneliner about what you actually do. Instead of "I'm a financial consultant," try: "I help people stop making dumb money mistakes before it’s too late." C – Cut the Sales Pitch Networking is not speed dating for sales. If you treat people like walking dollar signs, you’ll be ghosted faster than a bad Tinder match. H – Have a Killer Story People remember stories, not stats. Got a client who doubled revenue because of your help? Share that. M – Make It About Them Ask powerful questions. The most powerful phrase in networking? "Tell me more." People love to talk about themselves. If you let them, they'll like you more and you might actually learn something too. O – Own Your Weirdness Nobody remembers Mr. Generic Business Guy. Lean into what makes you stand out. Quirky, nerdy, obsessed with a niche? Good. That’s your brand. Me? Snarky in case you didn't know. O – Offer Real Value A tip, an intro, a resource: give something before you ask for anything. It builds trust and makes you instantly more likable. Z – Zero Follow-Up = Zero Results Met someone interesting? Follow up like a human, not a spam bot. A quick email or DM with something relevant (not “just checking in”) keeps you top of mind. E – Exit with Purpose Don't let a good conversation fizzle into awkward silence. End strong: “This was great, let’s set up a quick call next week,” or “I’d love to send you that article I mentioned.” Give them a reason to remember you. "Networking isn’t about collecting contacts, it’s about connecting dots. Be the person people want to connect with, not the one they avoid. Be human, be real. You might even make friends along the way. What did I miss? Tell me below.

"I'm networking, but nothing ever comes of it." Harsh truth: You're asking the wrong questions. When I started working with Claire, she said she'd had more than 30 coffee chats and Zoom meetings that went "nowhere." When I asked"What questions did you ask?" her answer told me all I needed to know. "You know, the general stuff like:" ❌ "Do you know about any openings?" ❌ "Would you take a look at my resume?" ❌ "What advice do you have for me..." She was setting herself up for failure, and candidly, wasting the other person's time. If you recognize yourself in this, it's not your fault. We're not taught how to network, and it's not intuitive. The secret? Treat networking like research:  ↳ Go in knowing what you want learn from each person  ↳ Tailor your questions to the individual This shows people you take their time seriously and makes a great impression. I put networking questions into 4 categories: ✅ Questions about the role ✅ Questions about the employer ✅ Questions about the industry ✅ Questions to wrap strong Here are some good ones to get you started: Questions About the Role 1. What do you like best about your job? 2. What personal traits are needed in this role? 3. What top 3 skills are needed for this job? 4. What are the biggest challenges you're facing? 5. What are the biggest opportunities for growth? 6. How is your performance measured? 7. What is the next role you could be promoted to? 8. What background/training is needed for this job? 9. What is the interview process for this role? 10. What is the salary range for this job? Questions About the Employer 11. What do you like best about working here? 12. How would you describe the culture and leadership? 13. What would you change if you could? 14. How are decisions made in the organization? 15. What's the training and professional development like? 16. How much room for growth do you see here? 17. How does the salary/benefits compare to competitors? Questions About the Industry 18. Who are your biggest competitors? 19. What are the biggest challenges in the industry? 20. Would you say the industry is growing? Or not? 21. What opportunities do you see in the next 3 years? 22. Where are they doing exciting work? 23. Are there professional associations I should join? Questions to Wrap Strong 24. Who else do you suggest I speak to? 25. Can I be in touch if I see an opening here? 26. Is there anything else you want to share or think I should know? Notice what is not said: ❌ Keep your eyes open for me... ❌Let me know if you hear about anything... That will happen naturally if you make a good impression and when you STAY IN TOUCH. What's been key to you having a productive networking conversation? Share in the comments👇 🎉You've got this and I've got you!🎉 ♻️ Share to help job hunters find work! 🔔 Follow Sarah Baker Andrus for career strategies 📌 Want my full networking guide? Subscribe to my newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e2KtRRGH

Make yourself memorable for the right reasons - 🎙️ 3 questions to ask a CEO so you don't sound like everyone else. Data? Harvard Business School research (2017) shows that asking follow-up questions activates the brain’s reward system (dopamine) in the listener, increasing perceived "likability." Why? Talking about oneself feels as good as food or money to the brain. The person asking the questions controls the "good vibes,” while the person answering the question feels like the expert, teacher or leader - all of which activate positive dopamine and memory neurons! How? Ask a question that makes you stand out for the right reasons and makes the person of influence think, rather than defaulting to generic observations. 3 questions to ask a CEO so you don’t sound like everyone else: → "As you look at the landscape for 2026, what is the one industry shift you think your competitors are completely overlooking right now?" → "What was the most surprising pivot or 'unlearning' moment you had to lead the company through in the last twelve months?" → "If you could gift every new hire one book or one specific mental framework to help them succeed in this culture, what would it be?" So what? First impressions are made in seconds, but lasting impressions are made by the questions you leave behind. Asking high-level questions signals that you are a peer and the answers naturally lead into tasks you can complete or items you can learn about, making it easy to reconnect and share your progress report! This is my *Workfluencer Wednesday* Workplace Tip - one that's helped me land international interviews with world leaders, including footballers, tech executives and members of the Royal Family. – #CareerAdvice #WorkfluencerWednesday #NetworkingTips #KeynoteSpeaker #WomenInBusiness *Workfluencer Wednesday* is a weekly career series by Sonya Barlow, sharing practical workplace tips on networking, confidence, AI, public speaking, and neurodiversity to help professionals thrive in modern work environments. 📩 Collaborations & campaigns: Hello@SonyaBarlow.co.uk

Most people don’t have a network problem—they have a networking problem. A client—a truly magical marketing leader with an incredible personal and professional network—was six months into her job search when she asked, "can my network actually help me?" The issue wasn’t connections. It was meaningful conversations. So instead of asking, “Do you know of any open roles?” she pivoted to “What can I learn?” That shift changed everything. She reconnected with past colleagues, uncovered new opportunities, and landed interviews for roles she wouldn’t have considered—but are exactly right. Because here’s the truth: Everyone is searching for connection. Especially at work. And relationship building starts with a plan. ✅ Getting clear on your questions. ✅ Identifying the support you need. ✅ Taking intentional action. What I'm learning, it’s all about making—and working—a plan. Question - how often do you reach out to your network without asking for a job? #Networking #RelationshipBuilding #LinkedIn #PivotPeople

As someone who has been asked for several coffee chats… If you ask someone for a coffee chat, you should not make them do all the work. I really appreciate when students and professionals reach out to me to connect. I like to say yes as much as possible because I remember when I was first trying to figure things out and how hard that was. But here’s something I don’t think some people realize: Sometimes, I’m the one carrying the conversation. Even though THEY asked me for the call. I’ll ask questions like: • What are you exploring right now? • What kind of roles are you targeting? • What skills are you building? • What’s one thing you’re stuck on? And I’ll get answers like: “Honestly, I’m open to anything.” “I’m just trying to break in.” “I don’t really know.” That makes it hard for me to help. Not because I don’t want to. Because without context, there’s nothing to aim at. If you want to stand out in networking, show up with curiosity + clarity. Even just 2-3 thoughtful questions can turn a “nice chat” into a career-changing conversation. If you’re reaching out for coffee chats, come prepared with: 1. what you’ve done 2. what you’re doing now 3. what you’re trying to become 4. 3 specific questions That’s how you make people WANT to keep helping you. ——— Give me a follow for more tips on networking, job searching, and building a career with confidence. #Networking #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvice #JobSearch #CareerStrategy #Mentorship #PersonalBrand #DataAnalytics #LinkedInTips