There have probably been situations in your life when you could have met interesting people, but for some reason you didn’t. Networking can be much easier if you keep the following 7-point plan in mind. However, it’s unlikely to work if you’re pursuing selfish goals – fake interest is usually obvious.
Say hello
So, you see a stranger and you realize that you would like to start a conversation with them. You can spend a long time choosing words and thinking about the possible beginning of the conversation. But you will probably just miss the moment. Yes, starting a conversation is the hardest, so don’t think too much – just say “Hello”, and the conversation will start by itself. Surely, the interlocutor will not remain silent. By the way, scientists have confirmed that most people are afraid to talk, but at the same time they will not refuse to talk. Go for it!
Ask a personal question
Try not to waste a lot of time on meaningless small talk – otherwise, the acquaintance risks ending there. So what if you discussed the weather or the program of the event? It is better to immediately move on to personal questions within the bounds of decency: it would not be superfluous to inquire about the history of an unusual name of a person or to pay attention to the original jewelry of the interlocutor. Your task is not to conduct an interrogation with partiality, but to find an interesting story. In extreme cases, you can use the standard question “Where are you from?”
Find common ground
So, you’ve already managed to start a conversation: it’s time to play your first “trump card”. Carefully pay attention to what you have in common. We don’t recommend resorting to the “comrades in misfortune” format: starting a conversation with negativity is a bad idea. Moreover, sweeping criticism of anything can easily hurt the feelings of a person you don’t know well. Perhaps you both chose soda instead of champagne at a buffet or prefer to wear scarves. At the very least, you were in the same place at the same time – what a coincidence.
Give a compliment
For a compliment to work, it must be original. Objectively beautiful people have often heard odes to their appearance, and erudite people have heard compliments to their intelligence. Another praise of obvious advantages will rather produce a repulsive effect, try to notice something unique that you sincerely admire. “You have a very pleasant voice”, “Your idea about…” is very close to my heart – something like this will certainly be remembered and leave a pleasant aftertaste long after the meeting.
Ask for advice
We all want our opinion to be listened to. And you have a unique chance to give this opportunity to new acquaintances. The main thing is that the question is easy enough, but takes into account personal experience. You can ask for recommendations on books or films depending on the context. Or, for example, asking during a coffee break what kind of coffee your interlocutor prefers is also quite appropriate. But pestering with a request for free professional advice is definitely a bad idea. Ease of communication is an important quality at this stage.
Do not be distructed
The main mistake when initial contact is established is to refuse the interlocutor attention. If your conversation does not last for hours, even an important call can wait a few more minutes. Just do not touch your smartphone – it will immediately kill all the magic of communication. Try to maintain eye contact – this way you will clearly demonstrate interest, and the conversation will become more confidential. “Yes, yes, continue, I’m listening” is a phrase that should not be heard under any circumstances.
Remember the details
The best investment in maintaining a connection in the future is to remember as many details as possible. Favorite dog breed, profession, children’s names, interests and hobbies – all this will help you to emphasize your affection and receive it in return. Just imagine how pleasant it is to realize that your chatter has not gone unnoticed. Do not hesitate to use new knowledge in the process of conversation – ask again, clarify. Thanks to active participation in the conversation, there is no doubt that you care.
