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Conversation Is About the Other Person

Guest post by: Lonny Dunn

Article Overview: Basic Conversation IS networking whether we realize it or not. Learn to integrate good conversation skills with an overall strategy of helping others. Grow your network by being a good conversationalist.

Conversation Is About the Other Person

Conversation Tactics When Networking I recently read a Harvard Business Review article about networking, and the author related a story that went something like this:

"I was at XYZ Conference in Austin, TX, and when I met a famous Investor, I said, 'Hi, you are a Rock Star' and the gentleman promptly turned and walked away."

Apparently with no disrespect to HBR Text Tagged Article', 'Click', 'networking']);"> networking and the study of Text Tagged Article', 'Click', 'networking']);"> networking is not as important as our conversational skills. If we are too busy dissecting what type of network work best, what is our target market, and a host of other academic issues, we might just be missing the point.

Networking, in it's simplest form is just having a conversation, and finding areas of commonality through good verbal and non verbal skills. Here are a few tips:

When we ask a question, be specific: Do Not Ask: "Do you like sports?" This is too general, and will only be answered yes or no, and might possibly just bore the person. But Do Ask: "Did you see the Nationals Last Night on TV?" It affords the listener the option of at least telling you what they were watching on TV, and what their interests are.

Do not feign interest in something you know nothing about. Use it as a way to further you relationship with others. "I don't know anything about sewing, maybe you could come to my office on Saturday and show me your collection?" "I don't like sports, but I'd sure like to learn more from someone who does"

Network with a mindset that you would like to help others: "What can I do to help you grow your business? What is your target market, and what kind of professional could I send to you that would help you expand your business reach?" When we help people expand their network, we expand our own by default.

Do not use flirtation and sex appeal as a way to gather clients. It may work in the short run, but many is the story untold where things don't work out well in the end.

Networking is about asking others about what they do, and not so much what you do. If you know what they do, your product or service will eventually find it's way into their understanding. But if you launch right into what you sell or offer, they may never call you.

Managing over 125k followers across a wide range of LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter accounts has afforded me many opportunities to network, find out what works and doesn't work. I have to manage the online profiles of a diverse range of professionals and organisations. The same strategies I use to grow networks everyday, I write about, and I love passing on these tips as a way to help others.

Learn to use good conversation skills by studying the art daily, and get better over time. Develop a system of giving and being generous all your own, that works for you, and shows people how to do something. Teach others to teach.

Reach out. Plant seeds of kindness. Learn to listen, and be sincere. Acquaintances will turn to prospects soon enough when we are helping others grow their networks.

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Article Tags: Conversation, Entrepreneur, Facebook, Generosity, LinkedIn, Management, Networking, Small Business, Social Media, Speaking, Twitter



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