When You Agree to a Networking Meeting But Don’t Know What You’re Going to Talk About

When you’re looking for a job or pursuing business opportunities, the goal of networking meetings is generally fairly straightforward. But how should you approach networking when the agenda is less clear? This piece offers four suggestions to make sure even the murkiest of meetings can be productive and meaningful. First, be clear about your reasons for accepting the meeting — whether it’s a favor for a friend, personal interest, or something else. Second, determine the best meeting format to meet those goals. Third, take some time to figure out the best questions to ask. Finally, develop a follow-up plan to solidify the relationship and act on any next steps discussed during the meeting.