How to Get Beyond the Small Talk While Networking
Frank Traditi
You've decided to take the plunge and make networking a regular event to market yourself. You've picked the venue, organization or event that you want to go to and you start meeting people.
You're doing a good job of meeting people by breaking the ice and feeling comfortable with starting out the conversation with a creative opener or two, or you just reach out and say hello. Good for you.
Now you're in that space where you want to hold a reasonably intelligent conversation and what happens?
Somebody pressed the pause button... dead air, a moment of silence that feels like you've been there for a week.
It happens. It happens to all of us. Sometimes it happens too often. What do you do?
Run for the door? Accidentally, on purpose, spill your drink? Create a diversion? I guess those ideas might work. But you'll miss an opportunity.
Better yet - have some questions, comments, opinions,
or issues you are passionate about at the ready for just these moments.
Here's your chance to create the next level of conversation and "kick
it up a notch" (as said by Emeril, that crazy cook).
Here are some tips for when you are in this situation:
1. Make a list of 5-7 thought provoking questions that would get someone
talking about more than just their job (or lack thereof). These are beyond
the favorites we use at every encounter (what do you do, your job, etc.)
• What shape do you think the economy will be in 6 months?
• What are people in your market talking about right now?
• Question to ask an entrepreneur - I'm intrigued on what made you
go out on your own? I'm always impressed with people who have done that.
Or ask, "What's most difficult about starting a business?"
• Where's the best place to go to find out more about your industry
and the kind of business you're in? (this one just might get you an appointment
with the right person)
2. Write down a list of 3 current issues related to your field of expertise
that you are passionate about. Bring these up in the conversation if appropriate.
Always good to have an opinion about something. Makes for great conversation.
Keep it politically correct of course.
3. Create your own survey. Here's a great way to get people to give you their opinion. Say something like, "I've been talking to quite a few people over the past few weeks and have been getting their opinion on what a homepage for a website should look like. I am building mine and want to know what people think is best." Come up with 3-4 survey topics where you can generate conversation. You'll also get some great ideas.
4. Go to the website or some information source of the organization that is hosting the event and come up with 3-5 things they are promoting as a service for their members. You most likely can provide some insight or information on what is most important.
5. Introduce an idea you have. This could be just about anything you're working on. Business or personal, ideas usually spark an interesting conversation with people. What you get are valuable opinions. When you recognize peoples' opinions as providing value, you've elevated your relationship with them.
Just remember to stick with the golden rule while networking with anyone at anytime:
Networking is about giving, not getting.
Copyright © 2006, Frank Traditi
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