Encouraging you to thrive and grow
My blog has been created to deliver useful insights, information, and stories that can be applied to spark new ideas within companies or careers. Within it, I provide articles to read on topics like diversity, inclusion and belonging. I’m excited to share with you the practical applications of my process, the observations I’ve made about our current culture, and how to best discover your strengths and to apply them to better your life.
Join me as I share my stories, provide resources and knowledge to help you — be bold, be brave, be kind, and keep wishing out loud.
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Confidently Connect at Your Next Networking Event
Want to confidently connect at your next networking meeting?
The key is to nurture the initial connection so that intentional, deeper conversation takes root and builds lasting, trusted relationships. It’s less about what you say and more about how well you demonstrate genuine curiosity, get to know their story, and listen for points where you can connect further to support their success.
I remember the lessons from The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, my favorite childhood book. The tree could not grow strong to offer shade, wood, and later a stump without strong roots to grow tall. Watering deeply, slowly once a week during a drought along the dripline is key to survival, not a scattered, wide, daily, shallow approach where the water runs off and evaporates.
Open Ended Initial Meeting Questions
To evoke their stories, welcome their voice, and build trusting circles.
These questions help people open up, feel valued, and share what matters most to them; without pressure, without performance.
Warm Connection Starters
• “What brought you here today, and what are you hoping to experience?”
• “What’s something you’re excited about right now?”
• “What’s a win you’re celebrating, big or small?”
• “What’s on your wish list for this season?”
Story Evoking Questions
• “What’s a moment that shaped how you lead today?”
• “Who helped you get where you are, and how?”
• “What’s a challenge you’ve navigated that taught you something important?”
• “What’s a story that people don’t know about you yet?”
Circle Widening Questions
• “Whose voice or perspective has influenced you lately?”
• “Who’s someone you’d love to meet or learn from?”
• “Where are you hoping to grow your circle next?”
• “What kind of support or connection would be most helpful right now?”
Trust Building Questions
• “What helps you feel seen and supported in conversations?”
• “What makes you feel included in a group?”
• “What’s something you value in relationships at work?”
• “What helps you build trust quickly with others?”
Future Facing Questions
• “What’s a goal you’re working toward that energizes you?”
• “What’s a possibility you’re exploring?”
• “What’s something you’re curious to learn next?”
• “What’s a connection that would make a difference for you?”
Unleash their story and uncover their wishes.
• “I’d love to get to know your story. What’s something you’re excited about or working toward right now?”
Let me know if you try these or share your success stories with hashtag #WishingOutLoudCoaching and tag me so I can celebrate your success with a like and comment on your post.