TIN #051 - From Awkward to Awesome: Master the "What Do You Do?" Question and Stand Out at Your Reunion
How I'm Using My Networking Skills At My High School Reunion
Hey! Greg here.
Welcome to another issue of "The Introverted Networker" newsletter.
This weekend, I'm headed to my 30th high school reunion.
I know how anxiety-inducing these events can be, particularly for introverts.
I'm looking forward to it.
I'll be using some networking techniques we’ve discussed in previous newsletters.
These strategies are useful for social settings when you reconnect with friends, colleagues, or classmates you haven't seen in a while.
Onto this week’s issue which takes about 3 minutes to read.
Since my reunion will have plenty of casual conversations on Friday and Saturday night, I'll be focusing on three key things:
Dormant Ties
Active Listening
Answering The "What do you do?" Question
Let's dive a little deeper into these approaches and uncover how they can work for you.
The Power Of Dormant Ties
If you've been following my newsletter, you might be familiar with this concept.
Dormant ties refer to people we know, but haven’t talked to in a long time.
Research conducted by MIT revealed that reaching out to dormant ties can lead to surprising outcomes.
These individuals are more likely to respond to an invitation to reconnect because they already know you. They also bring a wealth of new experiences into the conversation.
Most of the people at my reunion are people I haven't talked to for years.
They have embarked on various career paths, started families, and gained unique life experiences. So, I'm eager to tap into their knowledge and learn from their different perspectives.
This is why connecting with dormant ties is valuable:
They know you and are more likely to engage in conversation and can offer fresh insights that help you explore new solutions.
If you are interested in learning more about finding and connecting with your dormant ties, check out TIN #001 - How To Network If You Don't Know Anyone.
Active Listening
I often emphasize the importance of asking people about themselves and paying attention to their responses.
At reunions or any networking event, it's easy to get caught up in talking about yourself. Asking others about their lives opens up opportunities for genuine connection.
Listening to their stories enables you to understand their needs and identify how you can assist them.
Everyone attending any networking gathering is also looking for valuable connections and beneficial relationships.
By engaging in conversations, asking questions, and listening, you create space for a rich exchange of ideas.
The Dreaded Question
Finally, let's discuss the ever-popular icebreaker question:
"What do you do?"
While it's a common inquiry, there's a better way to answer it than stating your job title.
I recently shared a fantastic Ted Talk in TIN #044 - How to Create an Engaging Introduction that Leaves a Lasting Impression that explores how to improve your response to this question.
Instead of a generic answer, prepare a response that sparks curiosity and captures the essence of what you do.
Here’s the link to the Ted Talk by Clay Hebert that gives you the formula you should follow.
For instance, my answer would be:
"I teach introverts to be better networkers."
This concise statement piques interest and invites further conversation.
When someone asks, "How do you do that?" or "Tell me more," it opens the door for you to share engaging stories and examples of how you help others.
I could talk about my day job (which is in Compensation in HR), but that’s less interesting than talking about what I do to help introverts with networking.
We may get into talking about my day job, but that’s not what I’m leading with this weekend.
I would say try to avoid getting caught up in discussing your day job unless it's genuinely captivating to the listener.
Wrapping It Up
To summarize, the three key strategies I'll be focusing on during my reunion are:
Exploring Dormant Ties: Reconnecting with people from the past who have unique experiences that can provide valuable insights.
Active Listening: Start conversations by asking others about themselves and listen to their stories. This allows you to understand their needs, discover ways to help, and establish meaningful connections.
Improving the "What do you do?" Answer: Craft a response that sparks curiosity and leads to a more engaging conversation. Share the essence of what you do in a way that invites further exploration.
As I embark on this reunion adventure, I want to rekindle old friendships and explore exciting possibilities together.
By employing these strategies, I'm optimistic about the possibilities that lie ahead.
Before signing off, I want to express my gratitude to you for being part of this podcast and newsletter.
Your support means the world to me. If there's anything I can do to help you become a better networker, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Have a fantastic weekend, and remember to subscribe to the podcast and newsletter for more valuable insights.
Together, we'll navigate the world of networking with confidence and success.