Did you know that one of the things that turns off other people is the idea of you talking too much? It's true, and it's a fact that can affect how your potential clients perceive you. If you have small talk skills, then people will naturally be drawn to you. But what if you've got nothing but bad small talk skills? Are you still going to be able to find success with your business?
Small talk is part of networking. But it needs to be done right. People get tired of talking to the same old person. It's time for you to be different. Here are some great ways that you can improve on your small talk skills:
Be engaging. Smile and be friendly to people. It's a good idea to mention people you know by name. It's also a good idea to make yourself interested in them.
Ask questions. Try to find out what they do and see if you can offer any advice. Don't just say that you know them. Give details about what you do know. You can also ask about their small talk interests. If you both have similar interests, this will help you to establish a deeper connection.
Listen. It's amazing how many people do things without listening. They talk to their prospects, but they don't hear their ideas and opinions. So, when you meet someone, listen to what they have to say. Consider what their challenges are and be supportive of their ideas.
Ask lots of questions. This will show you that you're interested in the individual as well as in their business. You'll get more value out of your interactions if you take the time to ask detailed questions. Also, keep in mind that people who are good listeners are able to pick up on your intonations and meanings. That's something that few others are able to do. So, be patient and listen.
Share connections. Networking isn't always about business; you should also share experiences and stories with people you meet. But, especially in a small talk setting, you'll want to focus on people with common business interests. You can share stories of sales or other triumphs and encourage your new acquaintances to seek out similar success stories.
Build trust. Trust begins the moment you meet. Before you establish it, you should be certain that the other person is sincere in his or her desire to help you. Ask enough questions and consider how easy it would be to trust your prospect. If you don't get a definite yes right away, continue to talk until you feel that the other person is comfortable with you and willing to give you the kind of information that could help your small talk business.
Stick around. Networking is more than getting your name into the phone book or sending dozens of e-mails. It takes determination, persistence, and patience to make it in this business. While there are many opportunities for small talk networking, you're going to need to take an active interest in your efforts if you want to be successful.
Meet at a place where there's room for at least two or three. Sometimes, you can meet with more, but that's usually in a conference room or on a larger bus than what you'd normally meet in. When you've gotten to know people well enough, you may be invited to do group activities or small talks at someone's home or place of work. Don't be shy about requesting these kinds of events. It can be a great way to make introductions to like-minded people.
Have a goal. Small talk networking isn't a race. You don't win by being the first person introduced. But you do win by being the one who raises the most bar and makes other people feel comfortable doing the same. So if you want to be successful, you have to know what you're aiming for.
And finally, you must have a positive mindset. There are probably other people who you would like to meet and talk with more, but if you don't approach them with the right attitude, you won't have any luck. Being cocky and playing the "I want you to get to know me" card won't get you anywhere. So if you're thinking about meeting some new people, remember to be gracious and pleasant and you'll have more success.
