Networking Conversation: Making the Most of the Conversation

Regardless of the venue, as you engage in conversation, be sure to listen. Focus on the person and not your watch, who else is in the room, or anything going on around you.

 Express genuine interest in what the person has to say, especially if it is a topic that you set in motion with one of your questions. To do this: 

• Maintain eye contact
•  Indicate understanding by making comments like “Interesting!” or “That’s great!” or simply by nodding your head.
•  Ask clarifying questions like “Now, when you say … do you mean…?”
•  Summarize what you’ve heard by echoing ... “So you basically got into business because ...”