Five Questions to Work The Room: Yes, It’s That Time of Year!

It's that time of year! Receptions! Parties! Year-end Events!

What fun!

What? You hate them as much as most people?

Let’s make it as painless as possible for you.

Alison Graham offers some excellent advice on networking and making conversation. Her tips are simple, straightforward and easy to use.

As she notes, the goal of conversation at functions is to establish enough common ground to determine a reason to connect again.

Although an extrovert, I don’t always find it easy to initiate conversation, especially with strangers; actually, make that… I never find it easy. I do try to arrive with a couple of conversation starters that will help. Her ideas are much better, however.

Questions to Get the Conversations Flowing When Networking (with some adaptation) :

Know someone else who hates networking and small talk?
Share this article with your friends and colleagues!

What’s your connection to this event?

This question can uncover mutual contacts and usually leads to a more robust answer than if you asked the typical “Have you been to this event before?”

What’s keeping you busy when you’re not at events like this or at work?

This question gives the encouragement necessary for the person to share passions and outside interests.

Are you getting away this spring?

This question can lead to conversations about family, reveal special interests and, if you like talking about travel, it’s a surefire way to keep a conversation interesting.

Are you working on any new initiatives? 

Actually, I changed it from, “any charity initiatives”? This question makes it easy to launch into a deeper connection. If they’re not involved with any projects, they often share reasons, which is usually revealing, and if they are doing something of value, they will be more than happy to share.

How did you come to be in your line of work? 

For some, the path to where they are today can be quite an interesting ordeal. Having a chance to revisit their story to success can leave helpful clues along the way as to who they are and what makes them tick.

Keeping a conversation rolling is simple when you learn to listen and ask appropriate probing questions that naturally grow from the dialogue. You only need to prepare a couple of questions in advance. If there is a genuine connection, then you can engage in conversation.

According to Graham, when it comes to small talk, don't think you must say something strikingly intelligent each time you speak. Your words may be forgotten, but how you make people feel will be remembered.

The real key to great conversations is to relax. Let the conversation flow naturally. That's easiest to do when you're fully engaged and genuinely interested in the conversation topic and the person with whom you are talking.

Do you have questions you typically use to break the ice and form lasting connections? Tell us about it!

What are your main “pain points” dealing with networking and influence?

What advice would be most helpful to you?
And we always assume that you are asking for a friend!

Get in touch. We’ll address your questions and concerns in an upcoming blog post.

Don't Delay! Get the Training You Need to Make an Impact!

Online Training Programs with Ken Haycock

The Board Leader Academy:

A step-by-step guide to higher performance and impact.

Our spotlight course is designed for CEOs/Executive Directors, Board Chairs, and those who are interested in leadership positions on not-for-profit, for-impact boards. Six weeks. Three brief video lessons with handouts per week (watch at your convenience) plus additional downloadable resources. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Register now.     

The Board Member 101:

Your accelerated path to competence and confidence.

In this one-month course, you will move from feeling reticent and tentative to competent and confident, asking good questions and making great contributions. The course complements and reinforces your on-site orientation and opens new channels of communication and discussion. Four weeks. Two brief video lessons (watch at your convenience) per week plus downloadable handouts. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Register Now.

 P.S. May I ask a tiny favour? Would you mind sharing this blog with one person? I would love it. You can post the links in your Facebook Groups, LinkedIn or even send an email.