TIN #107 - The Introvert's Guide to Effortless Networking Conversations
Master These Tips and Make Your Next Interaction a Success!
Hey there fellow introverts!
Networking conversations can often feel intimidating, especially if you're unsure about what to say.
However, mastering these interactions is crucial for building meaningful professional relationships.
Here are a few tips and tricks to make sure these conversations start and end strong.
This issue takes about 4 minutes to read…
Before We Get Started:
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Mastering the Art of Networking Conversations - Top Tips:
In a recent issue, TIN #103 - 3 Proven Networking Scripts To Help You Overcome Networking Anxiety, I talked about networking scripts you can use online and offline.
Today, I want to focus on how to prepare and what to say during in-person networking conversations.
Prepare in Advance
Have a few conversation starters ready. Think about questions you can ask that show genuine interest in the other person’s work or passions.
Good conversation starters can help ease into a discussion and make the other person feel comfortable.
I talked about some of these conversation starters back in TIN #003 - What To Say In A Networking Conversation, but here are a few more to add to that list:
“What projects are you working on right now that you're excited about?”
People love talking about their work, especially something they’re passionate about. This can open the door to a deeper conversation about their goals and challenges.
“How did you get started in your career?”
Asking about their career journey can lead to interesting stories and insights that help you understand their background and interests.
“What do you like to do when you’re not working?”
This shifts the focus away from work and gives you insight into their hobbies and passions.
“Have you been on any interesting trips lately?”
Travel is a popular topic and can lead to a lively conversation, with people sharing experiences and tips.
“What’s the best book or movie you’ve seen recently?”
This can spark a conversation about common interests in literature or film, and might even give you some recommendations.
“What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned lately?”
This open-ended question invites them to share something new or exciting, which can lead to an engaging conversation.
“I noticed you mentioned [a topic or project] earlier—could you tell me more about that?”
This shows that you were listening and are genuinely interested in something they said, which helps build rapport.
“What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?”
This can lead to a relaxed conversation about hobbies, self-care routines, or even entertainment preferences.
These conversation starters are designed to be easy to respond to and encourage the other person to share more about themselves, making it easier for you to connect and keep the conversation flowing.
Listen More Than You Speak
People appreciate being heard. Focus on asking open-ended questions and actively listening to their responses.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of yes/no questions, ask ones that invite the other person to share more.
Find Common Ground: Look for something you might have in common, like hobbies, industry trends, or mutual connections. People tend to open up more when discussing shared interests.
Practice Active Listening: Pay close attention to what the other person says and respond thoughtfully. This not only makes the conversation flow but also makes the other person feel valued.
Have a Few Stories Ready: Prepare a few anecdotes or stories related to your work or interests. These can help you steer the conversation and avoid awkward pauses.
Accept the Silence: Don’t stress about filling every silence. A brief pause in conversation is natural and can give both you and the other person a moment to think of the next topic.
By focusing on genuine curiosity about the other person, small talk can become less of a chore and more of an opportunity to connect.
Follow-Up
Don’t let the conversation end when you part ways.
The best way to follow up after a networking conversation is to be prompt, personalized, and thoughtful.
Here’s how you can do it effectively:
Send a Follow-Up Email or Message Within 24-48 Hours: Timing is key. Reach out while the conversation is still fresh in both of your minds. A prompt follow-up shows that you’re interested and proactive.
Reference Your Conversation: Mention something specific that you discussed. For example, “I really enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Your insights on [specific detail] were particularly helpful.”
Express Gratitude: Thank them for their time and any advice or information they shared. A simple “Thank you for taking the time to chat with me” goes a long way.
Suggest Next Steps: If you discussed a potential collaboration, meeting, or exchange of information, suggest a specific next step. For example, “I’d love to continue our discussion about [topic]. Are you available next week for a quick conversation?”
Include a Helpful Resource (Optional): If appropriate, share a relevant article, book recommendation, or resource that ties into your conversation. This adds value and shows that you’re invested in the relationship.
Keep It Concise: Your follow-up doesn’t need to be lengthy. A few well-crafted sentences that reaffirm your interest and reference your conversation will suffice.
Be Patient: After your initial follow-up, give them time to respond. If you don’t hear back within a week or two, it’s okay to send a gentle reminder.
A thoughtful follow-up can reinforce the connection you made and pave the way for future opportunities.
Wrap Up
Remember, it’s not about perfecting the art of small talk, but rather about showing genuine curiosity and being present in the moment.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, these strategies will help you connect more deeply and build lasting professional relationships.
Don't forget to put these tips into practice, and you'll find that networking becomes less daunting and more rewarding.
Before You Go…
College Students are headed back to school. Here’s a great LinkedIn post from Virginia Franco on how her daughter landed two job offers within 6 weeks of college graduation. Valuable lessons whether you’re in college or not!