Many business people have confided that they often feel uncomfortable starting a conversation, especially with a stranger, at networking events. Strangers are, of course, the most important people to talk with at these gatherings. That's the whole point, right? - to meet new people and establish new contacts to expend your business world. While it's also valuable to renew and reinforce relationships with those you are already acquainted with, the really important opportunities at networking events are planting the seeds that will grow into new relationships.

Lolly Daskal, of Lead From Within, offers eight suggested conversation starters, or "ice-breakers" to help you start a conversation. Several of these are designed to get the other person talking about him- or herself - everyone's favorite topic (Remember this! While they're talking about themselves, make their words your favorite topic). Many of the questions also demand explanation, rather than one-word answers, so the conversation can flow comfortably from this beginning.

If you're on a search for ways to build and improve your business, networking is a great tool. A coach can often steer you to other avenues that may not have occurred to you. An outside set of eyes will see things you don't see and can help you discover new and unique ways to get more business, get more done, and do it all more efficiently...all while enjoying the experience more. Our first quest at Unity Consulting is to discover what's most important to you and help you unearth new ways to achieve that end. O ur specialty is helping you clarify the definition of the Purpose of your business (the single most important thing you want your team to focus on), which can help you and your company become more Productive...and that leads to more PROFIT. We abbreviate this as P3B -  Purpose ,  Productivity , and  PROFIT  in  Business . If this approach sounds interesting to you , why not  sign up for a NO-CHARGE strategy session? And let's talk. Check out the details here. Again there's no cost or obligation to you for this initial exploratory conversation, and I'm happy to spend as much time as it takes for us to get to know each other and discover what we can do together to improve your business. 

Please be assured that, when you call us, I will be your consultant - I won't pass you off to someone else with less experience or less commitment to your success.

Your comments are of tremendous importance to me - please let me know what thoughts or questions these ideas trigger for you. In particular, this week I'd love to hear examples of how building new relationships has enhanced your company's performance. On the other hand, if you feel "stuck" or your results aren't up to your expectations, perhaps I can help you find some answers - I'd love to hear about what's happening in your organization - again with no charge for us to discuss your situation and find a way to help YOU improve things. If you email a question or comment, please give me a phone number or a Skype address, or send me (see my Skype address below) a Skype contact request referencing my weekly emails (this reference is important - I'm fussy about my connections on networking services and, if your name doesn't ring a bell with me, I'll accept your contact request only if you tell me why you want to connect with me). Discussions of complex questions often require a conversation, and conversations occur either face to face or on the telephone, rather than by email (email exchanges data - very useful for some purposes; however the give-and-take that characterizes a conversation can't occur through email.).

 

If you find a topic here you think will be interesting to a friend or colleague, you're welcome to pass it along to as many people as you care to. If someone forwarded this to you, and you would like to hear more, please send me an email and I'll be glad to add you to my mailing list, which I never sell or rent. On the other hand, if you find these messages irrelevant, or they clutter your inbox in an unwelcome way, please click the "unsubscribe" link below - I promise you won't hurt my feelings. My desire is to send these ideas only to people who find them interesting and helpful.

 

So...try out these ice-breakers at your next networking event, let me know how they work for you, and contact us to learn how we can help you add value to what you do. Remember, the initial strategy conversation is without charge or obligation. Join us again right here next week for more unique ideas on how to get more done in your life and business, while enjoying it more. 

 

Thanks for reading.

 

John Stevens