8 failproof tips to start a conversation with anyone (and make a great impression)
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By Lydia Fenet
When you hear the word networking, what comes to mind? An after-hours work event in a windowless conference room? An awkward conversation with a stranger that drags on a little too long as you both wonder when one of you will mercifully end it?
In the same way that we have shifted our approach to work in the past few years, it’s time we rethink our approach to networking. The new networking no longer includes name tags, windowless conference rooms, and a bad glass of wine.?
When it comes to networking there is only one phrase you need to remember: Network or die.
Not that you will die if you don’t network, but if you don’t make networking a regular part of every day, your business and career surely will. Networking is the single most important thing you can do to grow your career—no matter what business you are in. Most importantly, it’s free, so you can do it anywhere, at any time.?
Here are a few failproof tips to help you evolve your networking:
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
The structure of the working world has changed since the pandemic, so when and where you are networking needs to change, too. Networking doesn’t only need to be done at a preplanned, prescheduled time. Business is conducted everywhere these days, so practice networking by striking up conversations whenever, wherever. Every person you encounter knows someone or something that you do not, so don’t close off opportunities, especially when you find yourself in a place where business naturally takes place.?
SHOW INTEREST IN SHARED EXPERIENCE
Networking is not a quick fix. Networking is about getting to know someone on a human level—not on a transactional level—and that takes groundwork. The past few years have likely caused some sort of disruption in everyone’s life, so by asking a simple question, like, “How have the past few years been for you?”, watch how quickly you learn about someone’s life, business, or both simply by showing interest in a shared experience.?
SKIP THE SMALL TALK
Forget about the weather and make sure you are abreast of certain news before you leave your house in the morning. Even a quick headline can give you fodder for conversation. If you aren’t an extrovert who enjoys telling everyone about yourself, ask questions.?
KEEP IT QUICK
If you travel for business, there are likely many times when you are seated next to someone who is traveling for business as well. I always have a quick chat with the person next to me—notice I said quick—and often I leave having learned something or found a way to connect past the plane ride.
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT try to monopolize plane time. But do strike up a quick conversation before the plane takes off or any other time when you have a few minutes of down time. Also, if your seatmate seems eager to talk, don’t shut them down immediately. I have booked speaking engagements, found new podcast guests, and given book talks for people simply because I was open to networking.
SEND AN EMAIL BEFORE
If you are meeting someone in person, send them a quick email the night before telling them a little bit about you the evening before the meeting to remind them why you are meeting. If the introduction has been made by someone else, remind the person you are meeting in the email, so they have a cheat sheet about who you are and why the introduction has been made.
Remember, if you are requesting the meeting, the onus is on you to shape the meeting, not the other way around. You are asking someone to give up their most precious resource—time—so make sure you are respectful of it.?
NETWORK LIKE A PODCASTER
If you are asking for someone’s time, make sure that you don’t walk in asking questions that are easily answered by a Google search. If you are trying to network with someone who has more experience or want them to help you, go in with a list of questions like you are a podcaster who wants to get the best tips for their listener.
Be cognizant of the time allotted, be prepared, and make sure to ask if there is anything else they want to share. Bonus for bringing a thank-you treat to an in-person meeting. I never forget the people who show up with a Diet Coke for an in-person afternoon meeting simply because I mentioned that I enjoy one in my first book.
BE A MINUTE EARLY
If you have requested a virtual networking meeting with someone, be on time or, better yet, a minute early. Video meetings are never-ending and there is nothing worse than waiting for someone who has asked you for a meeting. If you are the person initiating the meeting, turn off your phone and try your best to keep distractions to a minimum.?
KEEP A GOOD ANECDOTE READY
A good networker always has a good story about something in their back pocket to throw out at the right time. Extra points if it is funny.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that a network is for life, so nurture your network like you would a valued relationship. Remember to keep people abreast of what is going on in your life, particularly any big wins. You will be surprised how many people not only become part of your network, but part of your cheering squad in the years to come.?
Lydia Fenet is an American auctioneer, podcast host, and the author of?The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You?and?Claim Your Confidence.
Emotional #wellness: I help #overworked executives rid of emotional baggage caused by unwanted emotions such as #stress, #anxiety, #insomnia, #trauma, #grief, #emotionaleating, etc.
2 年Thank you for this practical and insightful article. I'm glad to realize I'm already doing more than half of the 8. I honestly believe KEEP A GOOD ANECDOTE READY should be the very first tip though. It needs some thought and preparation to make it sound natural when it comes out.
Owner/operator of The Domes Nature Retreat
2 年Great advice! I was pleased to see which things I do naturally, what behaviours i should modify and what new ideas i can add to my own business strategy! Thanks for a lite tight bright article to start my day!