Your ability to establish positive and productive relationships in the business world is key to your success. The self-confidence you convey while speaking contributes greatly to how others view you. In addition, your ability to easily carry on a conversation or “small talk” tells others you are comfortable interacting in less formal settings. Confident interactions are tremendously valuable in establishing your personal and professional presence. The key to building rapport is to find a common topic that will put both you and the other person at ease. At a meeting, the rapport-building segment should be brief. At parties and receptions, it is ongoing.
Meeting With a New Client or Customer Introduce topics of conversation that are not directly related to the subject of the sales call. Common topics are:
If a third party arranged for the first meeting, you can focus on how each of you know the third party and how pleased you were when he/she arranged for the two of you to meet.
Social Situations out of the Workplace Many of the above topics will work for social situations as well as work related social situations:
Another door opener to conversation is to comment on how pleasant it is to meet people from other organizations.
Some great ways to meet new people include;
To keep the relationship going, exchange business cards so you can connect later and continue the new relationship.
Company Sponsored Social Events It’s much easier to circulate throughout the room, meeting and greeting people. Just be careful not to spend your time with only those people you’re comfortable with. This is a great opportunity to build new relationships and expand your network, so make use of the “five new people” resolution even when you’re in your own territory.
The most important purpose of a business social gathering is to mingle. Network with as many people as you can. Those contacts can be vital assets to your career development.
Anne Stevens, ©2014 The Presentation Pros
Read more of The Presentation Pros blog HERE.
- The attractive new building
- The location of the facility
- The trip to the location (if it was positive)
- A corporate award or trophy that is displayed
- A local sports team
- And if all else fails—the weather
If a third party arranged for the first meeting, you can focus on how each of you know the third party and how pleased you were when he/she arranged for the two of you to meet.
Social Situations out of the Workplace Many of the above topics will work for social situations as well as work related social situations:
- The location of the event,
- Purpose of the event (fund raiser, company anniversary, holiday party), etc.
Another door opener to conversation is to comment on how pleasant it is to meet people from other organizations.
Some great ways to meet new people include;
- Ask your host to introduce you to a few people
- Make meeting new people a game
- Resolve to meet at least five people during the event
To keep the relationship going, exchange business cards so you can connect later and continue the new relationship.
Company Sponsored Social Events It’s much easier to circulate throughout the room, meeting and greeting people. Just be careful not to spend your time with only those people you’re comfortable with. This is a great opportunity to build new relationships and expand your network, so make use of the “five new people” resolution even when you’re in your own territory.
The most important purpose of a business social gathering is to mingle. Network with as many people as you can. Those contacts can be vital assets to your career development.
Anne Stevens, ©2014 The Presentation Pros
Read more of The Presentation Pros blog HERE.
Anne Stevens is a Professional Development Coach at The Presentation Pros, a soft skills training company empowering people with the skill sets to deliver their message with power and persuasion. She is a speaker, trainer, and designer. To book a training or keynote go to HERE.
