What is the Most Important Question in Networking?
Got a Minute? Let's Play a Game.
Someone just asked you: "Who are you looking to meet?"
Go. Right now. Answer out loud.
If you said anything close to "oh, just small business owners" or "anyone who needs my services" — we need to talk.
That answer is the networking equivalent of showing up to a potluck empty-handed. Everyone smiles, but nothing happens.
Here's what right sounds like: "I'm a bookkeeper. I'm looking to meet attorneys, accountants, and business coaches — anyone working with brand-new business owners. We serve the exact same customer and none of us compete. Those relationships turn into referrals fast."
See the difference? The second one makes you think of someone. That's the whole game.
Specific beats broad. Every time. The person in front of you wants to help — but "anyone who needs my services" gives their brain nothing to grab onto.
Your Play This Week
Log into Alignable and update your Ideal Customer section. Not a category — a person. The situation they're in. Why now.
Then, next time someone asks who you want to meet: don't fumble it.
A Question for You
What's yours? Give me your answer in one or two sentences — specific enough that I'd immediately think of someone to connect you with.
Hit reply. Best ones get featured in a future Playbook. Let's see who's got it cold.
— Eric
Comments (1-10)
The ideal client for Destination4Education is an aspiring or established insurance professional who values trust, relationships, and real-world guidance—and wants more than a course by seeking education, mentorship, and practical strategies to build a lasting, referral-driven career. Thank You Eric for leading the way to success.
I'd like to meet business coaches, sales trainers, and operations consultants whose clients are spending too much time manually keeping their business running. When someone says, "I can follow the advice, but I have to enter the same information in three or four places," that's usually a sign they've outgrown their current systems and processes.
I’m a new Author of a Children’s Book Series. I’m looking to connect with other Children’s Book Authors as well as Children Books Publisher’s to gain insight on how they marketed the books successfully.
I'm looking to meet women who have spent years becoming the person everyone depends on and are starting to realize they've built lives, businesses, or finances that require them to keep carrying everything. They aren't looking for another productivity hack. They're looking for a path from survival to freedom that actually fits real life.
Thanks for sharing the valuable networking tips. It's very good reminder especially those of us who consistently network.
I am an insurance producer and educator. I am looking to meet First-Time Homeowners, Parents with Children Under 18, First-Generation Wealth Builders, Business Owners with 2-50 Employees, Self-Employed Professionals, Nurses, Healthcare Workers & First Responders, Adults Caring for Aging Parents, Pre-Retirees (Age 50-65), New Business Owners (0-5 Years), and Young Families (Age 25-45).
My newest venture, Confetti Cat Lounge and Cafe, is an experiential space built around cats, coffee, and connection.
I'm looking to meet people and organizations who can help us grow a vibrant community around the cat lounge. That includes event hosts seeking a cozy, unique venue for gatherings; feline enthusiasts interested in offering cat-focused wellness, enrichment, or educational programs; and clubs, community groups, or simply groups of friends looking for a fun place to connect and socialize with cats.
We're also focused on human well being, as exampled by our plant-based menu. I'm also eager to connect with neighborhood organizations and local businesses interested in establishing regular pre-sale partnerships, catering opportunities, or community collaborations.
Thank you so much for reminding me that it is the human aspect of my profession that ultimately creates the greatest value.
Offering group transportaion and excursions providing business and community solutions. Logistics and shuttles for planned event occasions . Planned excursions and group travel . Supporting local businesses through FAM tours, annual events, not for profits, and corporate services.
I am a Construction Safety Specialist, and I am looking for construction companies that have had a recent incident and high ERA, start-up construction companies and those who experience a number of citations from OSHA. I am here to analyze, prioritize and train management to be more effective in safety.