The Secret to Networking: Learn to Listen and Ask the Right Questions

Have you ever been at a networking event—or even just chatting with a new connection on LinkedIn—and someone asks the dreaded question: "What do you do?"Most of us have a prepared "elevator pitch" that we just spit out and then... silence. We give a summary, maybe throw in some fancy industry jargon like "front-end developer" and then effectively shut the door on the conversation by saying something like "Have a good day."In today’s episode, I’m explaining why this approach is failing you. When you just talk about yourself and stop, you have no idea who you are actually speaking to. You might be talking to a future investor, a key collaborator, or even someone who could unlock your entire destiny! (Just kidding! There's no such thing as destiny)The real goal of networking isn't just to talk about yourself; it’s "Qualification and Discovery".Here is how you should handle the "What do you do?" question moving forward:Ditch the Jargon: If your mother wouldn't understand your title, simplify it.Break it Down: Don’t deliver your entire Unique Selling Proposition (USP) at once. Take one small element of what you do, share it, and then immediately throw a question back to them.Keep it Flowing: By asking questions about their business and their approach, you get to figure out if this person is a potential client, a future partner, or just someone worth keeping in your circle.Stop "spitting and cutting." Start having real, back-and-forth conversations that actually lead to progress.Thanks for listening! If you have a great idea but don't know how to build the software, Ikenga Software Factory (IKSF) is here to help.IKSF helps Nigerian founders move from "thinking" to "launching" without the usual tech headaches. Here’s why you should check out iksf.ng:Lightning Speed: Get your first feature live in less than a week.Cheaper Initial Costs: Every project includes a free ".com.ng domain"  and free hosting for your entire first year.No "Tech-Speak" Required: You don't need to learn code. Just describe your idea in plain English, and they’ll build it.Limited Time Offer!IKSF is looking to help 10 more founders launch before August 2026. Grab a 20% discount on your development costs by following these steps: 1. Visit iksf.ng 2. Start your project today. 3. Use code TAV or AYEDE at checkout.I want to hear about your progress! Give me a call or text (check the intro/ outro for my number) and let’s get your product live!https://iksf.ng/