Category Archives: Starting Conversations

Kindness in Networking

The # 2 reason why people do not like to network is that they fear that no one will want to talk to them.  Which goes hand in hand with the #1 reason why people don’t like to go networking.  … Continue reading

Posted in Business Networking, Networking, Starting Conversations | Comments Off on Kindness in Networking

What’s the Weather Got to do with Networking?

Many consider discussing the weather to be appropriate small talk.  Perhaps great stuff to spend 5 or 10 minutes talking about.  Well, think again.  When you spend a great deal of time talking about the weather, especially around here in … Continue reading

Posted in Business Networking, Networking, Starting Conversations | Comments Off on What’s the Weather Got to do with Networking?

What’s My Line is not a good Networking Strategy

Networking is partially about creating Word of Mouth traffic about your business, product, or service.  Yet, so many people are vague or unfocused in their personal marketing messages (AKA Elevator Speech) that I sometimes feel like I’m a panelist on … Continue reading

Posted in Building Trust, First Impressions, Networking, Starting Conversations | Comments Off on What’s My Line is not a good Networking Strategy

So, what do you do?

“So, what do you do?”  Many think that this is a “cliche” type of question.  Kind of like when you ask someone, “How are you?”  You may or may not really want to know, you are just being polite. A … Continue reading

Posted in Business Networking, Starting Conversations | Comments Off on So, what do you do?

Networking Preparation Tip: Your Personal Marketing Message

You know what you do, right?  Any time you are at a networking event, people who don’t know you yet are going to ask you this question.  Are you ready to give an answer to that question that compels people … Continue reading

Posted in Business Networking, Networking, Starting Conversations | Comments Off on Networking Preparation Tip: Your Personal Marketing Message

Small Talk vs. Big Talk

I’m really tired of people talking about small talk.  I don’t usually rant … today this is a rant. Small talk is exactly that.  It is small.  It appears to be engaging.  But it isn’t.  I think small talk is … Continue reading

Posted in Starting Conversations | Comments Off on Small Talk vs. Big Talk

No Wallflowers Here

Over in the corner.  By the potted plant.  Hiding in plain sight.   What we have here, is a “wallflower” in our midst. When I talk with people about the “wallflower” syndrome, I almost always get nods of recognition.  Nearly everyone … Continue reading

Posted in Networking, Starting Conversations | Comments Off on No Wallflowers Here