Proven Networking Tip
I was recently a panelist along with some other key executives at an industry forum. The discussion centered around networking and relationships. A question was asked for advice on how to meet someone for the first time and begin an initial conversation. One of the panelists,the state President of a global company, confided that she is an introvert and used to dread going to meetings where she did not know anyone. She shared some great advice handed down to her from a mentor.
Her mentor encouraged her to introduce yourself and then ask the other person what they do for a living. No matter the response, say, “that sounds like a really hard job”. She said that invariably the other person would dive in and give you lots of detail about just how hard their job is. In that conversation you will find lots of nuggets of information to continue to move the conversation along.
Developing a relationship is much more about listening to others than trying to tell them who we are and what is important to us.
I tried this at the last networking event I attended and it works. Developing a relationship is much more about listening to others than trying to tell them who we are and what is important to us. Try this simple tip the next time you DARE to build your network.
Do you have any other great networking tips to share? Join the discussion here or @Becky_Blalock.
Make the most of your upcoming holiday parties and industry social events, I DARE you.
Becky Blalock is a C-Suite IT Executive, Thought Leader, Board Member, Speaker and Author of the best-selling book DARE: Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage, and Career for Women in Charge.
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