|
Posted by Steve Marr in Untagged
|
I am by nature an introvert and I don’t mix easily during business networking events. Engaging with business prospects whom I don’t know is not in my comfort zone. There are times I don’t know what to say. However, I found an easy way around this problem—asking questions.
For example, during a business mixer most people have a name tag with their business on it. This opens an opportunity to ask more about the business as well as their role. These questions frequently open the door to ask about hobbies, where they live in town and other areas of interest.
By engaging an individual using questions, I don’t need to think about what to say next or how to act. I merely keep asking questions and show an interest in the person I meet. Usually, the individual reciprocates with questions for me. While I answer them, my main goal is to encourage the person to talk about the most important person in their life, generally themselves. I don’t say this as a judgment of a person’s self-centeredness. I merely accept the reality that most individuals enjoy talking about themselves and items that interest them. During business gatherings their business situation is clearly a great opener and provides many follow-up question opportunities.