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When meeting with another wedding pro, either at a networking event or out for coffee, what exactly should one talk about? If you’re new to networking and a little nervous, here are my 5 favorite questions to ask and topics to discuss:

1. Start with the PERSON

It’s odd to just launch right into business, so start with small talk.  Where do they live?  Where are they from?  What did they do before they started their business?  I’m a curious person by nature so these questions come naturally for me.  (I’m like a runaway train!)  But if this isn’t in your nature, just get comfortable with yourself and the other person.  I try to keep in mind that the other person may be as nervous as I am or maybe more.  So, this is the time for me to make them feel comfortable.

2. Why did you start your business?

I love to know about the path that led someone to choose entrepreneurialism.  This is a great way to find something in common with the other person very quickly.

3. What are your clients like?

This is where you start to see if the person’s business is a good match for your business.  It’s important to network with all people.  But, there are going to be some wedding pros that are a better partnership for you.  These people tend to have similar clients to you.  By understanding what sort of clients they work with, you’ll be able to refer business to them better.  Giving is more important than receiving.

4. What makes your business different?

Again – I want to know how to best refer the person. This question helps me identify characteristics that make that business different.  This helps me match-make their expertise with a client’s specific needs.

5. What expectations do you have from {wedding pros in my field} with which you work?

Example: If you are a photographer, you would ask: “What expectations do you have from photographers with which you work?”

This is a really great question for me that really helps me work better with others.  If I’m networking with a wedding planner that I could potentially work with in the future, I want to know how she expects to work with me as an invite designer.  Does she expect to have copies of samples?  Be copied on all emails?  Attend client meetings?  I want to know these things because it helps me service her clients better.  I want to know these things so that we can have a good partnership.

Ali Phillips, from Engaging Events by Ali, gave a great talk at Eventology this past April on vendor relationships.  She led an interesting discussion on how vendors can work best with one another.  As in any relationship, being open and discussing expectations are keys to harmonious communication.

What are some of your favorite topics of discussion when networking?