My Favorite Network Marketing Prospecting Questions

Prospecting in network marketing doesn’t have to feel awkward, pushy, or forced. In fact, when done right, it’s more about connection and curiosity than convincing and closing.

Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds of scripts, strategies, and systems. But what’s helped me the most—and what continues to open doors—is simply asking great questions. Questions that create conversations, spark interest, and build trust.

So in this article, I’m sharing my favorite network marketing prospecting questions—the ones that consistently help me connect, qualify, and convert… without ever sounding “salesy.”

Let’s dive in.

1. “Are you open to taking a look at something?”

This is hands-down one of my all-time favorites.

Why? Because it’s casual, respectful, and non-threatening. You're not asking someone to commit to anything—you’re simply asking if they’re open.

Why it works: People love feeling in control. This question invites, rather than pushes.

You can personalize it too:

“Hey, you seem super sharp—are you open to looking at a side project if it didn’t interfere with what you’re currently doing?”

“Are you open to exploring a way to create some extra income online?”

2. “What do you do for work? Do you love it?”

This question opens up so much space for an honest conversation. Most people will tell you what they do—and if they’re unhappy, they’ll often say so right away.

Why it works: It gets to the why behind their potential need. If someone says “It pays the bills, but I’m not passionate about it,” that’s your opening.

Follow-up with:

“What would you love to be doing?”

“Have you ever looked into anything on the side?”

Now you're naturally moving into a value-based conversation.

3. “What would an extra $500–$1000 a month mean for you right now?”

This question shifts the focus from what you’re offering to what they could gain.

Why it works: It brings emotion into the equation. People aren’t motivated by products—they’re motivated by possibilities.

You’ll hear things like:

“I could pay off this credit card.”

“I could afford daycare.”

“We could finally take a vacation.”

That’s when you connect your opportunity to their why.

4. “If I sent you a quick video, would you watch it?”

This is a classic "tool question"—perfect for moving from conversation into exposure mode without pressure.

Why it works: It's specific, short, and makes it easy for the prospect to say yes. You’re not dumping a presentation on them—you’re asking for a few minutes of their attention.

Pro tip: Always follow up with “When do you think you’d be able to watch it, so I know when to check in?” This creates a mutual agreement and makes your follow-up smoother.

5. “Have you ever done anything entrepreneurial before?”

This is a soft way of seeing if someone has the mindset for network marketing. If they’ve had a side hustle, freelanced, or even thought about starting something—they're likely open to new opportunities.

Why it works: It identifies people who are already looking for more than the 9-to-5. You’re speaking their language.

If they say “yes,” follow with

“What kind of business were you in?”

“What did you like or dislike about it?”

Now you’re in a real dialogue—not a pitch.

6. “What’s your backup plan?”

I love this one because it challenges someone to think. It’s not aggressive—it’s eye-opening. Most people don’t have a backup plan… and that realization makes them curious.

Why it works: It positions your opportunity as a smart safety net, not just a “side hustle.”

You can frame it like this:

“With everything going on in the economy, a lot of people are building backup plans. What’s yours?”

Then introduce your offer as a solution, not a sale.

7. “Who do you know that’s ambitious, entrepreneurial, and open to earning extra income?”

This is a ninja-level question, especially when you're in a cold market or talking to someone who’s not quite the right fit.

Why it works: It takes the pressure off the person—and sometimes, they’ll answer with, “Actually… me.”

It also helps you expand your network without being pushy. Use it often when someone says “it’s not for me,” or when you’re reconnecting with old contacts.

8. “What would more time freedom mean for you right now?”

This question goes beyond money and gets to the heart of why someone might consider a network marketing opportunity. People crave flexibility—whether it’s for family, travel, passion projects, or simply peace of mind.

Why it works: Most people are time-starved, not just cash-strapped. When they picture what they could do with more freedom, your offer starts to feel like a vehicle, not a pitch.

Follow-up ideas:

“What would your ideal day look like if time and money weren’t a concern?”

“What’s something you wish you had more time for?”

9. “On a scale from 1 to 10, how happy are you with your current situation?”

This is a simple yet powerful diagnostic tool. It helps you gauge someone’s level of dissatisfaction without prying.

Why it works: People often don’t realize they’re not fully satisfied until they stop to rate it. If they say anything under a 7, you’ve got a green light to dig deeper.

Try following up with:

“What would a 10 look like for you?”

“What’s standing between where you are and where you want to be?”

10. “What’s your long-term game plan—do you see yourself doing what you’re doing now in 5–10 years?”

This question subtly challenges the status quo. Most people don’t pause to think that far ahead—and when they do, they often realize something needs to change.

Why it works: It plants the seed of possibility. It’s not about selling your business today—it’s about helping them see that there might be something better.

Great follow-ups:

“Do you feel like what you're doing now is building toward that vision?”

“Would you be open to exploring options that could give you more control over that future?”

11. “If nothing changes in your life over the next year, would you be okay with that?”

This is one of my favorite wake-up call questions. It’s not meant to make someone feel bad—it’s meant to create clarity.

Why it works: People often tolerate situations they’re unhappy with simply because they haven’t thought deeply about the cost of staying where they are.

This opens the door to:

“What would you want to change?”

“If there was a simple way to start moving toward that, would you want to hear about it?”

12. “What do you love most about what you’re doing now—and what do you wish you could change?”

This is a beautifully balanced question. It starts positive, then gently reveals dissatisfaction or frustration—without confrontation.

Why it works: It allows the prospect to feel heard and valued. You're not jumping in to "fix" anything, you're letting them lead the conversation.

If they share something they want to change, you can say:

“That makes total sense. I know something that might help with exactly that—would you be open to hearing about it?”

Wrapping It All Up

Great prospecting is an art—and asking the right questions is your brushstroke.

Whether you're talking to warm leads, cold contacts, or complete strangers online, these 12 questions are your secret weapons. They open hearts, create curiosity, and make the conversation less about you and more about them.

Here’s a quick recap of what these questions do: Uncover needs and pain points

Invite curiosity instead of pressure

Build rapport and trust

Transition naturally into sharing your business

Remember: don’t rush the outcome. Be present, listen deeply, and always follow up with kindness and intention.

Your next team leader, customer, or lifelong friend might be one great question away.