One of the best ways to engage people is to ask interesting questions.  Questions that get folks thinking.  These engagement questions help not only to break the ice, but to separate you from the pack.

If you don’t already know it, or haven’t gotten the memo, Networking today is not about you.  It is about the other guy.   Meaningful networking to me is about getting to know the other guy and developing a giving relationship.  One where you simply think about how to give.  Give suggestions.  Give information.  Give referrals.  Give of yourself.  Read “The Go-Giver” by Bob Burg for a quick primer.

All of us have been to the old style “religious” networking events.  Events where everyone hands out stacks of business cards and then “prays” that someone who got their card will call them.  I have nothing against prayer, but these folks don’t understand Karma.   Spiritual teachers advise us that by giving out to the universe, the universe will give back, BIG TIME!

Rather than working the room, I prefer to meet one-on-one for breakfast or lunch to simply learn about the other guy.  The human connection is what makes all the difference in this inhuman world of social media.

Okay, Larry, so I get in a meeting with a really great mentor.  So, what do I ask him?  Harvey Mackay has a great idea just how to do this.  The way to engage a great mentor is by asking great questions.  Questions that probe and questions that open up the real human being inside the “titled”.  Here is Harvey’s list:

 
1. What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?

2. What are you learning now?

3. How has failure shaped your life?

4. Who do you know that I should know? Will you help me meet him?

5. What have you read that I should read?

6. What have you done that I should do?

7. How can I add value to you?

Try asking these questions and see for yourself what happens when it is not about you.  Let me know if we are asking you the right questions.  I would love to hear from you.