Networking dread. The forced smiles, the awkward elevator pitches, the constant pressure to “work the room” – for the socially anxious, networking events can feel like a special kind of torture. My mind would go blank, my small talk circuits would short-circuit, and I’d find myself hiding in corners, avoiding eye contact, and generally feeling like a networking failure.
Then, I discovered the “Curiosity Question.” Instead of trying to impress or sell myself, I focused on being genuinely curious about others. My go-to line became: “What’s the most interesting thing you’re working on right now?” Simple, open-ended, and immediately shifts the focus to the other person.
The Curiosity Question wasn’t about magic networking formulas, but about genuine human connection. It turned networking from a self-promotional performance into a genuine exploration of other people’s passions and projects. Networking dread faded away, replaced by genuine curiosity and surprisingly engaging conversations. Networking isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about building connections. Lead with curiosity, ask genuine questions, and let the conversations flow naturally.