Top Lawyer Coach, LLC

There’s no doubt about it – a room full of strangers can be intimidating if you’re not prepared.

Networking events should never include uncomfortable silences – or leave you grasping for something to say.

Don’t make shop talk a crutch!

Arm yourself with these 13 “sure fire” networking questions– and start building up your client base and your social repertoire.

1. What is the biggest challenge facing you in your practice/business?
2. How is the economy affecting your practice/business?
3. What separates you and your company/firm from the competition?
4. How did you get started in the business/practice?
5. What do you see as the coming trends in your business/practice?
6. What ways have you found to be the most effective for promoting your business/building your practice?
7. What's the funniest incident you've experienced in your business/practice?
8. What do you enjoy most about your profession?
9. What advice would you give someone just starting in the field?
10. What is one thing would you do with your business (or in your practice) if you knew you could not fail?
11. What significant changes have you seen take place in your profession through the years?
12. What one sentence would you like people to use in describing the way you do business/practice law?
13. How can I know if someone I'm speaking to is a good client/referral source for you?

The last question is delicate, but key to understanding a person’s profession or practice. It should not be asked too early in a conversation, rather after you have established a good rapport and asked the other open-ended questions listed above.

Remember - smart questions lead to smart conversations and relationships.  Don’t let networking be a waste of time. Use it to your advantage.

Understand and master the power of questioning and make networking work for you –and your firm.