3 Networking Questions That Spark Meaningful Business Conversations
Let’s be honest — most networking events are a mix of excitement and mild social anxiety. You’ve got your name tag, your elevator pitch rehearsed, and your drink in hand, but then what? You find yourself face-to-face with someone new, and suddenly, your brain goes completely blank. Or worse — you blurt out something generic like, “So, what do you do?” and get a response that feels just as uninspired.
Here’s the thing: real networking—the kind that leads to genuine business relationships, collaborations, and maybe even friendships—doesn’t start with surface-level small talk. It starts with intentional, meaningful questions. Not just any questions, but ones that make people light up, feel seen, and actually want to keep talking to you.
So whether you’re at a conference, a virtual coffee chat, or even just slid into someone’s DMs after a podcast you loved, these three questions will help you steer the conversation into a place that matters. No awkward pauses, no forced exchanges—just authentic connection that lasts beyond the business card.
Let’s get into it.
“What’s something exciting you’re working on right now?”
This might be the most deceptively powerful question in your networking toolkit. It’s casual, it’s upbeat, and it gets people talking about the now—which is where their energy usually is. Instead of dragging someone through a summary of their entire career history or forcing them into a stiff introduction, you’re giving them the green light to share what’s lighting them up at the moment.
And let’s be real: everyone’s working on something. Maybe it’s a major product launch, a small but mighty side hustle, a rebrand they’ve been pouring their heart into, or even a career pivot that’s still taking shape. Whatever it is, asking this question sends a powerful message: I care about what’s important to you right now.
Why this works better than “What do you do?”
Let’s face it—“What do you do?” often feels like a trap. It’s loaded with assumptions and can feel like a ranking system: “Tell me your job title so I can decide how valuable you are to me.” That’s not the vibe we’re going for.
But when you ask someone what they’re excited about, it removes the pressure and puts the focus on passion. They don’t have to explain their entire career arc—they just get to talk about what’s energizing them.
And bonus: even if they’re not particularly jazzed about their day job, this question still gives them a way to share something meaningful. You might hear about their photography hobby, their volunteer work, or the leadership training they’re diving into on the side. All of that is rich material for a real conversation.
How to use this question well
Don’t just ask it and nod politely—listen. Really listen. Take mental notes. Follow the breadcrumbs of what they say. If someone tells you they’re working on building their newsletter list, you can respond with curiosity: “What kind of content are you creating?” or “Have you found any platforms that help you grow it faster?”
If someone says, “Honestly, I’m experimenting with AI tools for the first time,” that opens up a whole new dialogue. What tools? What sparked their interest? Are they nervous or excited about where it’s all going?
You’re not interviewing them—you’re showing that you see them as a whole person, not just a job description.
Real-world moments that come from this question
Let’s say you’re attending a marketing conference and you ask this question to the person next to you at a breakout session. They say, “I’m actually in the middle of launching a new platform that connects micro-influencers with ethical brands.”
Suddenly you’re off and running. Maybe you know someone else working in that space. Maybe you’re passionate about ethical marketing yourself. Or maybe you’re just genuinely curious and want to learn more.
Either way, you’ve just shifted from stranger-to-stranger small talk into a real, relevant exchange—and that’s where the magic happens.
What this question reveals
When someone answers this question, they’re not just sharing a project. They’re revealing what motivates them, what challenges they’re up against, and what kind of impact they’re trying to make. You’re getting a glimpse into their values and goals—which is incredibly valuable if you’re looking to build a relationship beyond the event or inbox.
You might also notice how they light up when they talk about it—that’s your cue. That spark is the entry point to deeper rapport.
Pro tip: Tailor your follow-up based on what you hear. If they’re working on something you genuinely admire or want to learn more about, say so. People remember when others take a real interest in their work.
And don’t be afraid to share what you’re working on, too. When both people are engaged and sharing, the connection starts to feel natural instead of transactional.
Let it be an opening, not a closing
This isn’t a one-and-done question—it’s an opening. It sets the tone for a more organic, two-way conversation. It also shows that you’re a connector, not a collector. You’re here to build something deeper than a pile of business cards or a bunch of new LinkedIn connections with no context.
“What inspired you to get into this field?”
Forget dry job titles. This question gets to the story behind the role, and that’s where the gold is.
When you ask someone what inspired them to do what they do, you’re tapping into their origin story. Was it a mentor? A moment of frustration with the industry? A childhood dream that evolved into a career? Whatever it is, the answer will give you deeper insight into who they are and why they do what they do.
Real-life examples:
Maybe you’re talking to a woman who started a sustainable fashion brand because she grew up sewing with her grandmother and wanted to combat fast fashion. That origin story? Pure gold.
Or maybe you’re chatting with a cybersecurity consultant who got into the field after his uncle’s business was hacked. Suddenly, you’re not talking to a stranger—you’re hearing someone’s mission.
Why it works: This question creates space for vulnerability and storytelling. People open up when they feel safe and heard. You’re not asking for a pitch—you’re inviting reflection and authenticity.
“What’s something you wish more people understood about your work?”
This one is especially powerful when you’re talking to someone in a niche role or complex industry. It shows curiosity, respect, and humility all at once. Instead of pretending you totally understand the ins and outs of their work, you’re giving them space to share the part they wish people did get.
And here’s the magic: when someone answers this question, they’re likely to talk about common misconceptions, frustrations, or myths in their space. That’s when doors fly open for real discussion. You can learn, empathize, ask better questions, and even discover opportunities to support them in ways no one else has.
Try this scenario:
You’re speaking with someone in HR technology. Instead of assuming they just build hiring platforms, you ask this question and they respond, “I wish more people understood that modern HR tech is more about employee empowerment than surveillance.”
Now you’re off to the races with a thoughtful follow-up like, “How do you balance data and human touch?” or “What feedback do you get from employees on your tools?”
Why it works: You’re giving them a platform to clarify, educate, and elevate their work. And that’s deeply validating.
Why These Questions Work So Well
Let’s zoom out for a second and talk about why these questions create such better networking experiences.
For starters, they’re open-ended. You’re not putting someone in a yes/no box or asking them to recite their LinkedIn headline. You’re inviting them to tell a story, share an emotion, or express a passion. That makes the conversation feel more like, well, a conversation—not an interview.
They also flip the script on what most people expect at a business mixer. While others are playing networking bingo and reciting bios, you’re getting curious. You’re being human. And that’s what people remember.
At their core, these questions show that you’re not just interested in what someone does—you’re interested in who they are and why they do it. And let’s face it, those are the kinds of conversations we all want more of.
When to Use These Questions
The beauty of these questions is that they work in just about any professional setting. You can use them in:
- In-person networking events and conferences
- Coffee chats or discovery calls
- LinkedIn conversations and DMs
- Team-building meetings
- Mentorship sessions
- Podcast interviews
- Mastermind groups
In other words, anywhere you want to create a more real, less robotic connection.
Just a quick tip: don’t force it. These questions work best when they come from a genuine place of curiosity. If it feels natural to ask, go for it. If it feels like you’re reading from a script, pivot to what you are truly curious about in the moment.
Making the Most of the Answers
Asking great questions is one thing—what you do with the answers is another.
When someone opens up, lean in. Ask follow-ups, share your own relevant experiences, and listen more than you talk. This isn’t a game of who can impress the other person more. It’s about mutual discovery and connection.
Also, take notes (mental or otherwise). If someone tells you about a new app they’re launching or a conference they’re speaking at, remember it. Follow up. Congratulate them. Share their work. Send a resource their way. That kind of thoughtful engagement turns one good conversation into a lasting relationship.
Even better? Look for opportunities to amplify their work. Recommend them to others, repost their content, or invite them to collaborate on something meaningful. This is how trust is built—not through transactions, but through generosity.
Networking Without the Sleaze
At the end of the day, networking isn’t about collecting the most contacts—it’s about creating the right connections.
And those connections come from conversations that matter. Not pitch decks, not fancy titles, not “I help X do Y” one-liners. Real relationships are built on curiosity, storytelling, shared purpose, and mutual respect.
The three questions we’ve explored here are your starting point. But don’t stop there. Stay curious. Ask better questions. Be the kind of person who listens more than they talk. And remember, when you show up with a genuine desire to know someone—not just for what they can do for you, but for who they are—you stand out in all the best ways.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Networking—You’re Connecting
So next time you’re at an event or chatting with someone new on Zoom, skip the “What do you do?” and try one of these questions instead. You’ll be amazed at the depth, honesty, and creativity that flows when you simply ask something different.
Because here’s the secret: business is personal. Behind every logo, every brand, every job title, there’s a human being who wants to be heard, seen, and valued. And if you can spark those kinds of conversations, you’re not just networking—you’re connecting in a way that actually means something.
So go on—be curious, be brave, and most of all, be real. The people you meet won’t forget it.
And who knows? That one great question could be the beginning of your next big opportunity.