Rx Translations, Inc.

presents

Networking
For translators &
interpreters Never know what to say when you
approach someone? Unsure how
to start a conversation…or keep
the conversation going?
Ask about the event
The easiest way to start conversations at
in-person networking events is to start
by discussing the event. The hardest
thing to do at networking events that
attract people from many industries can
be finding common ground. Luckily, you
have one guaranteed common ground
and that’s the event you’re both attending!
On the next page, I’ve listed
several questions you can use to
Get them talking about their thoughts
start conversations or keep them
going. In all of the cases, you’re just
trying to get the person to continue
Listen actively to glean information
talking about their thoughts and it’s
been my experience, that leads to a
more comfortable conversation. Not Note anything you have in common
only does this line of questioning
take the pressure off of you, it takes
the pressure off of the person with whom you’re talking and they might be just as nervous as
you are! It has the added advantage of usually revealing additional tidbits about the person
so listen for those.
For example, just last week someone at an event said “I don’t get to events downtown
very often because my wife and I just had a baby and live in North County.” I congratulated
him on the birth of his daughter, discovered it was their first and asked how it was going with
a new baby and having just started a new job (information he volunteered earlier). The key is
to ACTIVELY LISTEN and LEARN about the person as they talk, even if they aren’t intentionally
talking about themselves. This will help you keep making conversation AND get potentially
golden information from them about everything from their business to their life and
connections with others. Remember, just because the person with whom you’re speaking
might not be a potential client directly, he or she might know someone who is and if they’re
enjoying your conversation, they’ll be more than happy to pass along your information.

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 Questions

 How did you hear about this event?

 Are you a member of [organizing organization]?
 (if yes) - do you find it valuable? I have
been considering joining. (why, why not)
 (if no) - do you know anyone who is?/Have
you thought about joining?
 What do you think about this event?
 Have you been to other [organizing
organization] events before?
 (if yes) - Have you met any good
connections?/Have you gotten a lot out of
them?
 What types of events do you usually attend/do
you find are most valuable for you?

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Ask about the person
Perhaps you’ve moved on and/or run
out of questions to discuss the event so
it’s time to become an expert on the
person standing in front of you. People,
whether they admit it or not, typically
do enjoy talking about themselves and
the things they’re passionate about. So, put the spotlight on your new
connection with these questions!
You’ll note the questions on
Try to make a connection.
the following page are questions you
can ask that are directly about the
person but you’ll also note that Have fun – keep the conversation
they’re not just your standard “what
do you do” questions. Try to get
enjoyable
more out of them than that.
Remember, your goal is, in theory,
Relax and remember connections are
for this person to have something to
link to your name and face and more important than business cards.
trying to follow up with “we met at
the event and talked about what you did for a living” isn’t always the easiest way to trigger
recall. BUT, once again, making these conversations enjoyable to your new connection will
help even more to move you further into this person’s inner circles. As you accomplish this,
you’re more likely to be top of mind when someone around this person mentions
“translation” or “interpreter” so every person can be extremely valuable! If you start
attending events outside of your comfort zone, you might meet people who do jobs you’ve
never even heard of. Don’t be afraid of this – it’s a discovery opportunity! If someone tells
you what they do and you don't understand, keep asking them to explain it. As I said, most
people love talking about themselves and what they are passionate about.

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Rx Translations, Inc. © 2018.
 Questions
 What's your story? (Try to get them talking
about how they got to where they are.)
 What made you decide to do what you do?
How did you get into [insert their profession]?
 Did you always know you wanted to do/be a
[insert profession]?
 Once you understand, ask who their clients are
in general (e.g., doctors? Insurance companies?
Attorneys? – the better you understand the
business world and who writes checks, the more
likely you are to receive more checks!)
 If you have some knowledge of their industry,
ask questions related to that that might have
happened in the news (as a medical translator,
this came up with the healthcare laws).
 What do you like to do besides go to
networking events like this one? (Remember,
personal common ground can get you
remembered easily!)

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Rx Translations, Inc. © 2018.
Out-of-town networking
If the person you’re talking to is
from out of town, or you’re the
non-local, you’ve just opened up
another host of discussion
opportunities! It’s time to put your
quizzical hat on and ask away!

I’ve met a lot of translators and

interpreters in my life and they Curiosity will help you – be curious!
usually have a few things in common
including a love for travel or, at the
very least, a love for meeting people Talk about where they’re from
from other places, regardless of
whether we’re talking another city
Remember – it’s a great opportunity to
or another country. If you’re
anything like me, asking people explore a new city or give advice about
questions about where they’re from your own!
and how it might be different from
what you know, is one of your
favorite treats! I could probably go down this line of questioning indefinitely so if that’s you
too, you might have to hold yourself back a bit, but it’s a great opportunity to get to know
someone and an opportunity that is missed by a LOT of people at networking events so
these questions are great for getting someone to recall having the conversation with you in
the first place!
Remember that no matter what the situation (who is from out of town and who isn’t),
this sparks great conversations about the good and the bad in a given city and can also lead
to some great results. The last question on the list in this category was responsible for a one-
on-one dinner with someone who gave me great ideas for translation markets. It was the
result of it just approaching dinner time and I asked if he’d heard of any good restaurants
that might be near the event space. It turned out that not only did he know of one, he
already had a reservation and I was welcome to join. Very valuable question!

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 Questions
 Where are you from?
 You and connection are local:
 Do you usually attend events in this area?
 Is your office nearby?
 [any local news-related questions]
 You’re local, connection is not:
 What do you enjoy doing? Maybe I can suggest
some things for you!
 Have you eaten at [local good restaurant] yet? Their
[great dish] is amazing!
 Suggest additional must-sees
 Connection is local, you’re not:
 What’s your favorite thing to do here?
 What’s one thing I can’t leave without doing or
seeing?
 Do you have any good restaurant suggestions?
 You’re both from out of town:
 Have you heard about any interesting things we
out-of-towners need to check out?

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 Want to talk networking?

Head over to the Success by Rx members club and

ask anything you like!
Don’t forget to include #askRx to call me to the
question!

Thank you for reading. Happy networking!

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Rx Translations, Inc. © 2018.