7 questions that make you more likable

7 questions that make you mora likable7 questions that make you more likableTo many, networking events sound as appealing as getting teeth pulled, but that doesnt mean they have to be so dreadful. Instead, great networking is all about having questions ready that start actual conversations, elend mundane small talk.After asking dozens of professionals their go-to networking questions, I found two important patterns. First, the best questions are open-ended and cant be answered with a simple yes or no think essay questions instead of multiple choice. Second, the key to good networking may surprise you dont talk just about work. If youve ever worked in London, or in Europe, youll be familiar with the belief that people represent more than their job titles and salaries. Get to know the person in front of you.I asked some of the most successful people I know how they sharpened their networking skills.Here were the top seven responses that came up over and over again.1) What are your hobb ies?Ive found out that colleagues non-work projects include woodworking, gardening, marathon training, volunteer firefighting, baking pastries and vocal lessons, explains Brittany Meyers, a writer and editor. I like the enthusiasm I see in people for something besides their work.Plus, Brittany says that knowing peoples hobbies makes it easier to remember everyone since getting faces and name tags straight is a challenge.2) What are you reading these days?Asking whats on someones nightstand or e-reader tells you more about the person youre meeting than a LinkedIn profile or business card ever could, notes Felicia Sullivan,marketing consultant and founder of Phoebe Kate.This one not only leads to more meaningful conversations, but it also makes it easier to follow up with people afterwards. We met at that networking event isnt as memorable as so glad we got to talk about our mutual love of House of Cards.3) Any good travel plans coming up?I was born and raised in Texas, lived for alm ost 15 years in California, lived in Boston and Mexico and traveled to Australia and Europe before landing back in Texas, says Kat Clemons, director of community development at nonprofit Hope Village. I love finding out that people have awesome traveling stories or are from somewhere totally different.You can also ask people where they grew up, but note that the question can be misinterpreted as a loaded one for minorities or immigrants since it can have an implication of youre not from around here. If they volunteer it, however, feel free to dive into a conversation about it.Everyone has an origin story, or theyre planning a trip soon, so theres bound to be an interesting conversation without having to drop the so, what do you do? question right off the bat.4) I love that scarf Where did you get it?I find that genuinely complimenting someone on a statement piece that they are wearing immediately breaks the ice, as it makes the other person feel good and they are more open during th e conversation, explains Chanele McFarlane,founder and editor-in-chief of Do Well Dress Well.Additionally, McFarlane notes that wearing something interesting (like an bold necklace or bright blazer) to a networking event is a great way to use appearance as a conversation-starter.5. Do you have a wow project youre involved with?If you want to elevate the typical what do you do? question, add a little nuance by letting people brag. It assumes people do have a significant project in the works and allows them to talk about whatever is at the top of their mind, explains David Burrows, a tech entrepreneur. Who doesnt like to show off the things theyre most proud of?6) What are you passionate about?People are used to be asked what they do and where they work, so Ive seen them be pleasantly startled by this question, says Tammy Tibbetts, founder and CEO of nonprofit Shes The First. Its a way of showing you care about them more than who they work for.Asking this doesnt have to sound like a s tiff job interview question, either working it into the conversation can be as easy as, So if you werent doing job, what would you do instead?7) Have you been to city or event space before? Whats it like? Bonding over your physical surroundings or the general event environment makes for a much more natural conversation starter than asking what someone does. Ive learned a lot about people because of this approach, says Melissa Jones,recruitment and HR specialist at the United Technologies Research Center. It breaks up the monotony of where you work, which youll eventually get around to anyway.