Do you avoid networking events and other social business events because you despise making chit chat? Never fear. If you can follow a a recipe or a procedure, today is your lucky day. I have a 9-step plan for you. If you follow this plan, you will be able to comfortably and systematically build rapport and keep a conversation going. No more sweaty palms, no more bees in your belly. Get ready to start meeting people and building relationships. You’re going to be a master networker. 1. Take a deep breath and relax because this is going to work. Review the image below. It is a conversation stack. You will start at the bottom. By using this colorful mental image, you will remember polite questions that will help you navigate through the conversation. Your goal is to build rapport. People like talking about themselves. Show sincere interest, and I do mean SINCERE, and your networking will be off to a great start. This stranger you’ve met may soon be your new friend, mentor, or even a future boss. Who knows? Step-by-step you’ll be perfecting your conversational skills. Each item in the stack symbolizes a topic. Let’s get started! 2. At the foundation of the conversation stack is a name plate. This reminds you to smile, extend your hand and say, “Hello, my name is _____. What is your name?” or some version of that. Once your new friend says their name, you say, “Nice to meet you, (their name here).” Repeating their name will help you remember it. I’m surprised how many people start talking and don’t introduce themselves. It’s polite and professional to introduce yourself, so start off on the right foot. 3. Above the name plate in our conversation stack is a house. With this image in your head, you’ll remember to ask questions such as:
4. On top of the house in the stack is a family. This is a reminder to ask questions like:
5. Next you’ll notice that in the stack, the son has a soccer ball. Let this remind you of hobbies such as sports. You can ask:
6. The woman in the family is wearing a red work glove. This is a reminder to ask about work:
7. On top of the woman’s red work glove, the woman is holding up a pink jet. Let this remind you of travel. You can ask:
8. Finally, at the very top of the stack is a light bulb. This symbolizes ideas. If you’ve talked with someone this long, and it’s still an interesting conversation, feel free to get into the realm of ideas and values. Ask about their opinions on a current event, or a popular book or movie. You can ask their feelings about a current political campaign, if all little league participants should get ribbons, or how old they think a girl should be before she starts dating. Make your question relevant to something already discussed or focus your or their current situation. 9. At whichever step the conversation ends, be sure to say, “It was very nice to meet you, (their name here),” or some version of that. Shake hands again. If appropriate, exchange contact information and review any follow-up that was promised. Congratulations!! You just made a great new contact. It was easy, fun, and interesting. With the colorful conversation stack image in your head, networking is easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. To get your own free copy of the conversation stack, click here before January 15 and sign up for my newsletter. I offer great tips like these on a regular basis. For more information on this topic, click here and check out the YouTube video I made for you. Thank you for reading, and have a great day!
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AuthorLisa Liszcz has over 20 years of experience developing leaders and teams in four different global organizations in a variety of industries. In 2014 she became an entrepreneur and is rocking her inner superhero and loving her life like mad. Archives
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