Haveo · What to say at a networking event when you don't know anyone
What to say instead of "so, what do you do?"
Ask "what are you working on at the moment?" instead. It gets you a real answer rather than a job title, it works whether the person is employed, freelancing, studying or between things, and it invites them to talk about the part they actually find interesting.
Why the standard question falls flat
"What do you do?" asks for a label. It also lands badly on anyone who is between jobs, changing careers, or does something hard to say in three words — which is a large share of any room. You get a title, you say "oh, nice," and you are both stuck.
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Eight questions that get a real answer
- What are you working on at the moment?
- How did you end up here?
- What's been the best thing you've seen today?
- What's taking up most of your time right now?
- Is this your first one of these?
- What made you want to come?
- What would make tonight worth it for you?
- What are you hoping to figure out this year?
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What to do when they ask you
They will still ask you the standard question — so have a sentence ready that answers the label question and hands back something to grab onto: what you do, plus what you are into right now. That second half is what turns an exchange of titles into a conversation.
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Rehearse it before you walk in.
Haveo builds your intro, lets you practice out loud with an AI coach, and keeps your notes one tap away in the room. Free on iPhone and iPad.
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