How to Be Natural and Organic in a One-on-One Networking Meeting
Hint: It’s Not a Job Interview, So Lose the Pre-Written Script!
Networking. For some, the word alone can spark anxiety, triggering visions of stiff handshakes, forced smiles, and awkward small talk that rivals the most uncomfortable family reunion. But networking doesn’t have to feel like a stuffy job interview. In fact, the secret to a successful one-on-one networking meeting isn’t in how many business cards you hand out or how perfectly you deliver your elevator pitch. It’s about being real, relatable, and, yes, natural.
So, let’s drop the formality, toss aside the robotic questions, and focus on what really matters: getting to know each other as people first, professionals second. Here’s how to master the art of organic conversation in your next networking encounter.
1. Ditch the Pre-Written Questions—They Can Smell ‘Em a Mile Away
We’ve all been there—staring at our phones, memorizing a mental list of questions we’ll use to “break the ice.” Spoiler alert: most people can tell when you’re using a pre-planned script. If it feels robotic to you, imagine how the other person must feel. There’s nothing like being asked, “So, what do you think your five-year plan is?” to make someone feel like they’ve stumbled into an impromptu job interview.
Instead, loosen up! Sure, it’s good to be prepared, but let the conversation flow. If they mention their love for a particular sport or hobby, dive into that instead of trying to reroute the conversation back to your list of business-related questions. People are much more relaxed when they’re discussing something they actually enjoy.
Pro Tip:
Think of yourself as a curious friend rather than a strategic professional. Your genuine interest in who they are as a person will naturally steer the conversation in an engaging direction. Plus, it’s way more fun than sounding like an HR questionnaire!
2. Lead with Authenticity, Not Agendas
If you walk into a networking meeting with one clear goal—whether it’s to sell something, recruit, or find your next gig—it’s going to show. And it’s going to feel awkward. The best connections often come when you don’t have a hidden agenda hanging in the background.
When your only objective is to get to know the person sitting across from you, the vibe changes. You’re not just networking for a business gain; you’re forming a genuine relationship. This takes the pressure off both you and your networking partner, and it often leads to more fruitful opportunities down the line.
Try This:
Begin by asking open-ended questions that allow the conversation to take shape naturally. A simple, “What’s your story?” is a great way to start, without steering things directly into business territory. It shows you’re interested in who they are beyond their LinkedIn profile.
3. Talk About Common Interests, Not Common Goals
This might sound counterintuitive in a professional networking setting, but not every conversation has to revolve around business, business, business. In fact, talking about non-work-related topics can build a rapport that feels more personal and lasting. Once you establish common ground—whether it’s a shared hobby, a mutual acquaintance, or even your mutual disdain for terrible coffee—the business conversations will flow more naturally from there.
It’s about making a human connection first. When that happens, the professional stuff often sorts itself out.
Break the Ice:
Instead of kicking things off with the dreaded “What do you do?”—ask something a little lighter. Maybe, “What’s the most fun project you’ve worked on recently?” or “What’s your go-to way to unwind after work?” These questions still allow room for work-related answers, but in a much more relaxed context.
4. Listen More Than You Talk (And Definitely Don’t Interrupt)
In your excitement to make a good impression, it’s easy to fall into the trap of talking too much about yourself. But guess what? People are generally more impressed by those who listen well. The trick is to focus on them rather than thinking about what you’re going to say next.
Engaged listening also gives you plenty of opportunities to naturally respond with follow-up questions that show genuine interest. This can keep the conversation going smoothly and organically, without the need for scripted questions. Plus, it makes the other person feel valued and heard.
Fun Fact:
People tend to remember how you made them feel during a conversation more than the specific words you said. So, make them feel good by truly listening!
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Show a Little Personality
This is probably the most important tip. Let your personality shine! If you’re quirky, be quirky. If you have a dry sense of humor, don’t be afraid to drop a witty comment. Authenticity goes a long way in making memorable connections. You don’t want to blend into the sea of cookie-cutter professionals who all ask the same generic questions.
Being true to who you are is not only refreshing, but it also attracts people who vibe with your energy. When you’re being yourself, you’ll naturally find commonalities with others who are on the same wavelength.
Something to Remember:
Networking isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real. The more human you are, the more likely you’ll create lasting, meaningful connections.
6. Leave Room for Future Conversations
Networking meetings can sometimes feel like you need to squeeze every bit of information out in one sitting. But that’s not the case! It’s okay to leave a little something for next time. In fact, leaving the door open for future interactions is a smart way to keep the relationship going.
You don’t have to cover every topic under the sun or exchange every detail of your professional life in that first meeting. Just focus on building rapport, and the rest will follow.
End Gracefully:
As the meeting winds down, try something like, “I’ve really enjoyed this conversation! We should definitely grab coffee again soon and continue chatting.” It’s a friendly, non-pressure way to signal you’d like to stay connected.
In Conclusion
Networking doesn’t have to feel like a forced business transaction. In fact, it shouldn’t feel that way. The most successful networking interactions come from authentic, relaxed conversations that allow people to connect on a personal level. So, leave the scripted questions at home, focus on finding common ground, and remember—networking is just a fancy word for getting to know someone new.
And who knows? Maybe you’ll walk away with more than just a LinkedIn connection. You might make a new friend. Now, isn’t that more fun?
4o
You said:
can you redo this but add in that I am a solo attorney and do a lot of networking with other B2C professionals. also add in that this is how i like to talk with my clients. i don’t like it to be all business, but i like to have organic conversations where we get to know each other so when we get to the “legal discussion” it feels more natural.
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Memory updated
How to Be Natural and Organic in a One-on-One Networking Meeting
Hint: It’s Not a Job Interview, So Lose the Pre-Written Script!
Networking as a solo attorney is an essential part of my practice, especially since I work with a lot of B2C (business-to-consumer) professionals. Over the years, I’ve learned that networking doesn’t have to feel like a stiff, awkward exchange of business cards and scripted questions. In fact, the more natural the conversation, the better the connection. I like to approach networking the same way I approach my client meetings—by focusing less on business right away and more on getting to know the person. By the time we dive into legal discussions, it’s more comfortable, and the conversation flows naturally.
So, if you’re tired of turning networking meetings into impromptu job interviews, I’ve got some fun, practical tips to help you create a more organic, authentic connection.
1. Forget the Pre-Written Questions—They Can Smell It a Mile Away
We’ve all been there—walking into a networking meeting with a mental checklist of questions: “What do you do?” “What’s your 5-year plan?”—you know, the standard stuff. The problem is, these questions make the interaction feel robotic. I’m pretty sure most people can tell when you’ve prepped a script, and let’s be honest, it’s not the vibe you’re going for.
Instead, I prefer to let the conversation unfold naturally. If the person mentions something they’re passionate about—whether it’s a hobby or a random weekend adventure—I jump into that. We’ll get to the professional stuff eventually, but if you can have a relaxed conversation upfront, you’ll find that the business talk flows much smoother later.
Pro Tip:
Think of it like this: your goal is to come off like a curious friend, not a recruiter conducting an interview. The more genuine your interest in them as a person, the more memorable and enjoyable the meeting will be—for both of you!
2. Leave the Hidden Agenda at Home
As a solo attorney, I understand the pressure to build relationships that could lead to referrals or future clients. But if you walk into a meeting with that as your primary goal, the conversation will feel transactional, and let’s face it—no one likes feeling like they’re part of a business deal. The best connections happen when you’re not focused on what you can gain but on who you’re getting to know.
That’s exactly how I approach my client relationships too. I never want our conversations to be all business right from the start. It’s more important to build trust and rapport first. When I’m meeting with a client, I take the time to get to know them as a person—what they’re passionate about, what their goals are in life. Then, when we finally talk about legal stuff, it doesn’t feel like a formal, stressful consultation. It’s just part of an ongoing conversation between two people who know and understand each other.
Try This:
Instead of focusing on what you need from the conversation, think about how you can make a connection. A simple, “Tell me a bit about your story,” can lead to a more relaxed and engaging dialogue than jumping straight into work talk.
3. Talk About Common Interests, Not Just Common Goals
Yes, we’re all here to make business connections, but that doesn’t mean the entire conversation has to revolve around work. In fact, when I network with other B2C professionals, I find that conversations are much more enjoyable when we focus on common interests, not just business goals. Once you establish a connection around shared experiences or hobbies, the professional talk tends to emerge naturally.
This is exactly how I approach my client meetings too. I want to know about their life outside of the legal issue they’re facing. What do they enjoy doing? What’s important to them? By the time we get to the legal discussion, we’ve already built a foundation of trust and mutual understanding, which makes the serious stuff less daunting.
Break the Ice:
Instead of opening with, “So, what do you do for a living?” try something a little more personal, like, “What’s been your favorite project or adventure lately?” It gives people room to talk about what they’re excited about without feeling the pressure to jump into business mode right away.
4. Listen More Than You Talk (Seriously)
Here’s a mistake we’ve all made at some point—talking too much about ourselves. In my experience, both with networking and client meetings, I’ve learned that people really appreciate a good listener. It’s not just about waiting for your turn to speak; it’s about being present in the moment and genuinely curious about what the other person is saying.
When I meet with clients, I spend a lot of time listening before I offer any legal advice. This not only helps me understand their situation better but also builds trust. The same goes for networking—listening well makes the other person feel valued, and it sets you apart from the usual chatter.
Fun Fact:
Most people will walk away from a conversation remembering how you made them feel, not necessarily what you said. So, focus on making them feel heard and understood.
5. Let Your Personality Shine
Here’s the deal: nobody wants to have a dry, formal conversation. I certainly don’t, whether I’m networking or talking with a client. Let your personality come through! I’m a solo attorney, so my relationships with clients and fellow professionals are often personal, not just professional. If you’ve got a quirky sense of humor, use it. If you’re passionate about something, let it show. Authenticity is memorable.
When I meet with clients, I don’t put on a “lawyer mask.” I’m just myself—because at the end of the day, people want to work with people they like and trust. The same is true for networking. Be the version of yourself that you’d want to have coffee with.
Something to Remember:
People connect with authenticity, not perfection. The more human you are, the more likely you are to create a lasting connection.
6. Leave Room for Future Conversations
Here’s a little secret: you don’t have to cram everything into one meeting. When I network or meet with clients, I never feel the need to cover every single detail in one go. It’s perfectly okay to leave the door open for future conversations. In fact, it’s encouraged!
This approach works well with clients too. I might start by getting to know them, then dive into the legal issues over time. Rushing through everything in one sitting doesn’t build the kind of relationship I want.
End Gracefully:
As the meeting wraps up, say something like, “This has been great! Let’s definitely keep in touch.” It leaves things open-ended and signals that you value the connection beyond just this one interaction.
In Conclusion
Whether I’m networking with B2C professionals or meeting with clients, my approach is the same: focus on the person first, the business second. Let conversations flow naturally, listen more than you talk, and always be yourself. By the time you get to the professional discussions, it’ll feel like a continuation of an ongoing, authentic conversation.
And who knows? You might walk away with more than just a business contact. You could make a new friend—or at least have a few more great conversations in the future!