Thank you, Jolie Haupert, for your comment and thank you Rick Trompak for posting the question.

A great question to ask someone when attempting to start a conversation is, “What are you looking forward to?” Ninety-five percent of the time the first thing a person is going to say is, “What am I looking forward to?” They seem to need to repeat the question for several reasons I suppose.

First, they need time to digest the question and form an answer for you have actually made them think. Second, they want to make sure that they heard you correctly. It actually stuns people at times that someone would actually care enough about them to ask what it is they are truly looking forward to? Third, it is a great question and they need to consciously think about it. I highly recommend questions that make people think and think profoundly.

Then whatever they say, be truly interested in their answer. The reason I tell you to ask this question is it gives you an instant snapshot of the person’s mental state, right then and there. If they answer your question by stating “NOTHING” understand their mental state. At this point in time DO NOT try to sell them anything including yourself. All you want to do is leave them with a smile on their face. You are trying to build a relationship so don’t press.

However, if they tell you they are looking forward to something, and they usually will, be all about it. Ask questions about what they are looking forward to. Be truly interested in it and do not forget to reference their answer when saying goodbye. Examples would be, enjoy your trip to Hawaii, your daughter’s wedding or your fishing trip or whatever it was they mentioned to you.

The next time you see them do not forget to ask questions regarding whatever it was they were looking forward to. Such as, “Did you enjoy your trip?” “How did the wedding turn out?” or “How was your fishing trip?” Not only will people be impressed that you remembered a very important event in their lives they are going to be more than willing to talk about it. Do you see how your one question can start building a relationship?

Another question that I like to ask is, “What is your one piece of advice for someone who is willing to listen?” It is amazing the thoughts that come out of people’s heads. No matter what they say you can respond with, “Can you elaborate on that?” Then stand back and listen as they try to explain the one most important piece of advice they have to offer. Ask questions regarding their thoughts and then listen. Remember the secret to engaging others in conversation is getting others to talk about something they are truly interested in.

Join the discussions at LISTEN UP NETWORKING where we are all sharing our ABC’s of successful NETWORKING.

Visit LISTENUP.biz for information regarding FREE INTERACTIVE NETWORKING WORKSHOPS.

Tags: ABC's of Networking, Cleveland Tower City, Conversation, Free Interactive Workshops, LISTEN UP NETWORKING, Looking Forward To, Make People Think, www.listenup.biz