Have you ever been at an event where you were alone and felt like everyone else had someone to talk to except for you?
I used to feel like this until I learned the #7 Tip I will share on this list. I went to a women’s conference and was signed up for a seminar I didn’t want to take. I still remember #6 because I used it shortly afterwards and it works.
I wish I could remember the name of the speaker but this was at least thirteen years ago so I can not remember her name. Pretty remarkable that the technique lives on at all through me. What was I saying? It works.
Now enough of the preamble: Here are the ten surefire ways to meet, mix, mingle and make meaningful connections at networking events.
- Focus 1,000% on the person you are conversing with and what she or he is saying. Don’t be scanning the room for a “more important” person or a friend you know better. Listen intently, nod while making eye contact and ask follow up questions.
- Don’t be thinking of what story you want to tell about yourself. Keep your thought present on what she is saying so you may ask simple follow up questions or “tell me more about that’s”
- Words to Say - Tell Me More About That…This works well because it is not a question so people will not feel interrogated!
- Words to Say - I am curious to know…. This could be about anything… “where you got that tie” to “how does someone new begin the same type of business” to “what school do your children attend” (or did you attend.” Remember to follow up with another question.
- Words to Say -I had never thought of that before! Did you learn something new from your conversation? People will look knowing they taught you something.
- Words to say - Where did you grow up? I used this after I learned it at a women’s training. I was at a boring event with my husband and I peppered our table – none of us knew each other – with this question. It kept conversation hopping! Naturally it requires follow up such as, “What was it like growing up there?” or “You are so far from home!” or “You never left? Tell me about that!” (chances are they did and simply chose to come back.)
- Words to say: what are you looking forward to today? You will learn a lot about a person by asking this question!
- Words to say: What book(s) are you reading right now? This tells you what you have in common or what books you might like to pick up from the library. Even if it is something completely opposed to what you are interested in, find if there are any ways to connect you with that book… even if the only thing you know is you don’t know the book.
- Find mutual causes to support: What is the primary cause you support – tell me more about that cause…
- Compliment specifically and authentically. “I didn’t realize how strong other farm leaders have been since Cesar Chavez” or “I had no idea women were working for equality so long before they had the right to vote!” or “I never heard so many things to do with a can of spray paint before today, thank you!”
- End the conversation with: I could talk with you all day, and I need to go visit with…. Thank you so much!
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© 2012 by Julie Jordan Scott
This is my 11/31 entry for the Ultimate Blog Challenge!
Julie Jordan Scott has been a Life & Creativity Coach, Writer, Facilitator and Teleclass Leader since 1999. She is also an award winning Actor, Director, Artist and Mother Extraordinaire. She was twice the StoryTelling Slam champion in Bakersfield. She leads Writing Camp with JJS & this Summer will be traveling throughout the US to bring this unique, fun filled creative experience to the people wherever she finds the passion & the interest.
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