Energize Your Networking Skills With 3 Proven Storytelling Tips

Networking doesn’t have to be a transaction. It can be a conversation worth having. That’s what my client Susan discovered at an ERG networking event, where story-prompting questions moved her and her partner past small talk and into real stories about their careers, upbringings, and experiences of imposter syndrome at work.

Many people dread networking, but a simple mindset shift changes everything. Instead of putting your best foot forward or seeking out people who have what you need, think of it as a chance to help others succeed by sharing your skills. When you make the person you’re meeting the center of attention, you don’t have to be self-conscious, only curious.

Storytelling makes that shift possible. Storytelling is not just a skill for influencing; it’s a way of thinking and leading. When storytelling becomes your framework, you naturally lead with curiosity, active listening, and genuine connection.

Here’s how you can use storytelling practices to energize your networking:

1. Be Curious. Ask Crazy Good Questions.

Like in the scenario above, a well-timed question can spark unexpected connections and prompt storytelling. Asking people to share their own experiences creates space for them to share personal but not private stories that build trust and help people feel understood. Examples of Crazy Good Questions are:

• What prompted you to move across the country?
• What has surprised you most in your new role at the company?
• What’s something you wish people would understand about your industry?

All of these questions are open-ended and ask for reflection and sharing something beyond small talk. At networking events, it’s a great idea to always come armed with one or two crazy good questions in your back pocket.

Example of This Storytelling Tip In Action:

You don’t have to wait for a networking event to use a crazy good question. They can be used in everyday conversation or weekly meetings. One of my colleagues uses a Crazy Good Question every Monday morning as she and her team set their agenda and priorities for the week. While it can be hard to set aside time for storytelling, especially on Monday mornings when there is so much to do, she says it’s worth it. It helps the team build trust with each other, which helps them have a productive week as they work together on tasks that often require problem-solving. It’s a great time to ask a question like: What’s a recent accomplishment you’re proud of? Or What’s something positive that happened in the last few days?

2. Create an Intriguing Introduction For Yourself.

At networking events, people tend share the same thing over and over again. Your name, job title, how long you’ve worked in this line of business. The monotony makes it all forgettable. Instead of simply saying your name and job title, you can introduce yourself with a brief brilliant story. At first it can be hard to break from the patterns that everyone else uses, but once you do start, you will see the benefits. Opening with a story instead of a resume recital invites questions, conversations, and more stories!

Example of This Networking Tip In Action:

When I introduce myself I often keep it short and simple: “I teach storytelling to executives.” Then I  make sure I have the discipline to stop talking, which gives space to the people I’m meeting to ask me follow-up questions. When people are curious, it makes the conversation more engaging for everyone.

2. Connect By Listening (Truly Listening)

I often tell my clients this: “The best way to get someone else’s attention is to give them yours.” Our attention is a hot commodity. Everything and everyone wants it. Our apps ding on our phones and text messages vibrate on our smartwatches. To listen with curiosity, you must turn off the distractions and give them the space to share. Giving people the space to share means respecting silences, asking follow up questions and leaning forward in your chair so they know you want to hear what they have to say.  Don’t interject your own stories, allow them to maintain the spotlight.

Example of This Storytelling Tip In Action:

A few weeks ago, I came across a great example of this in a review of my book Winning Without Persuading: “Instead of the usual persuasion tactics that often fall flat with a remote or matrixed team, this book focuses on asking better questions. I started using the questioning techniques during my one-on-ones this week, and the shift was immediate. It moved the conversation from ‘compliance’ to ‘original thinking,’ which is exactly what you need when the roadmap is changing.”

Networking Doesn’t Have To Be Transactional

Networking doesn’t have to feel like a forced performance. Storytelling teaches us it can be a practice built on genuine curiosity. By asking crazy good questions, introducing yourself with a story instead of a résumé recital, and truly listening rather than just waiting for your turn to talk, you shift the entire dynamic of networking from a transaction into a relationship. You don’t need to impress everyone in the room. Rather, you just need to make the person in front of you feel truly seen. When you lead with storytelling, networking stops being something to dread and becomes something you can actually look forward to, one genuine conversation at a time.

So before your next networking event or team meeting, prepare with a crazy good question. Write down one you’re genuinely curious about, keep it in your back pocket, and see where the conversation takes you. You will grow your professional network and your curiosity.

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