Most networking events don’t fail because of people. They fail because of the questions.
You know the one:
“So… what do you do?”
It’s predictable. It puts people in “pitch mode.” And it kills any chance of a real conversation.
Table of Contents
The Problem
So I’m trying something different at 3rd Space Bucharest events.
Instead of worrying about the venue or drink menu, I focus on implementing better questions people can answer.
We start simple with something like: “What’s your favorite breakfast?” or “What was your first car?”
Sounds trivial. It’s not.
The Shift
It does three things instantly:
-
Removes pressure
-
Creates shared laughter
-
Gets people talking like humans, not job titles
From there, the tone shifts. People stop performing. They start engaging. Then we layer in short, unpolished stories from guests. Real experiences. No slides. No scripts.
Real Connection
And here’s where it gets interesting: People don’t just listen. They ask better follow-up questions. Curious questions. Personal questions. Questions that actually open people up.
That’s when connection happens.
We then move into small, structured groups so conversations go deeper, not wider.
The Difference
Because here’s the truth: Most events optimize for how many people you meet. I optimize for how well you meet them.
25 people. One room. Thoughtfully designed interactions.
The result? People stay longer. Conversations feel natural. No one is trying to “get something.”
Just better questions leading to better conversations leading to real connection. That’s the difference.
Final Thoughts
The secret to great networking isn’t working the room or perfecting your elevator pitch. It’s asking questions that make people feel like humans instead of job titles. Start simple, create space for real stories, and watch the connections happen naturally.
When you design events around quality over quantity, something shifts. People stop performing and start engaging. And that’s when the magic happens.