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Questions to Ask At A Meeting That Includes a Meal
by Maria Marsala
Summary: Being known locally, even if you have a virtual business, is something every business owner must do to build credibility and a stellar reputation. But what do you talk about when having a meal with other business owners.
Being known locally, even if you have a virtual business, is something every business owner must do to build credibility and a stellar reputation. Being an introvert,(like me!) makes this harder. However, 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 and nerve racking for an introvert who is not prepared.
- There might be networking time before the meeting and usually that's the time to get to know about someone's business.
- Then there is sit down time; where most likely "someone" will be in charge of making sure that everyone does a roundtable introduction (your elevator speech in 2 minutes maximum) as your cards are passed around the table.
- The socializing part with people who are sitting next to you.
Below questions you can ask, as you sit at a table specifically to eat and wait to hear a speaker. These questions are more personal then the questions we'd ask in a situation that is more about networking. So often we forget to ask more personal questions of people. And we loose the opportunity to connect with them on a deeper, more personal level - a level that's not about "the sale". Now of course a few of the questions below are more business \-like are However, if you'd like a listing of questions to ask during the networking part of a meeting, questions that will help you pre-qualify who you're speaking with, then visit The Top 10 Questions To Ask At A Networking Meeting
- Where do you live? How long have you lived there?
- Tell me about yourself.
- How did you find out about this meeting?
- What did you do before you started your business?
- What other meetings or groups do you attend during the month? Has attending them helped your business?
- What sort of things do you do in your personal time?
- Where do you volunteer?
- What's the most important thing you've achieved in your life?
- What goals are you reaching for personally?
- Do I have your permission to send you a complimentary copy of my online newsletter? (If they freely give your their business card)
- Would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?
If you suggest a meeting then it's your responsibility to pay for the coffee or meal you suggested. You both may decide differently at the event; but you've taken the lead and that's proper business etiquette.
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© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds. In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners to double their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at www.CoachMaria.com
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© 2010 Elevating Your Business. An irrepressible entrepreneur, Maria Marsala sold AVON at age 14 and landed on Wall Street three years later. She became a bond trader at a time when female executives were as rare as pink diamonds.
In 1998, brimming with 25+ years of business expertise, Maria created Elevating Your Business. She coaches established women B2B owners double to their bottom line using strategic business planning and execution systems, delivered one-on-one or to large audiences. Earn more, work less and live a sparkling quality of life! It starts at
www.CoachMaria.com
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