The Top 10 Questions To Ask At An Organizational Meeting That Includes A Meal

Originally Submitted on 8/21/2004.

It’s not always easy being an introvert and a business owner! Even though most introverts are good socializing one-on-one, in order to become “known”, networking with other business owners is, in my opinion, a marketing must.

Being known locally, even if you have a virtual business, is something every business owner must do. Even the Internet Guru's attend networking meetings and speak to groups as a way to market their online business.

Attending a meeting of an organization or association may mean three types of networking opportunities – pretty overwhelming for an introvert who is not prepared I’d agree!

1) There might be networking time before the meeting and usually that’s the time to get to know about someone’s business.
2) Then there is sit down time; where most likely “someone” will be in charge of making sure that everyone does a roundtable intro (your elevator speech in 2 minutes maximum) as your cards are passed around the table.
3) The socializing part with people who are sitting next to you.

Below are 10 questions you can ask, as you sit at a table specifically to eat and wait to hear a speaker. If you’d like a listing of questions to ask during the networking part of a meeting, visit http://topten.org/public/AA/AA443.html

1. Where do you live? How long have you lived there?

2. What other meetings or groups do you attend during the month? Has attending them helped your business?

3. What personal interests do you have?

4. What's the most important thing you've achieved in your life?

5. What goals are you reaching for personally?

6. What goals are you reaching for professionally?

7. Do you see a way that we can work together on a project?

8. Do I have your permission to send you a complimentary copy of my online newsletter?

9. How can I help you?

10. Would you like to meet again?

NOTE: If you suggest a meeting; because you think that you want to work with this person "somehow" - then it's your responsibility to pay for their coffee or meal. You both may decide differently at the event; but you've taken the lead and that's proper business etiquette.

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