Networking and How to Start a Conversation

In Business School we are constantly reminded of the benefits of expanding our personal and professional networks. For some, this comes easy. For others, we need a little help as first time interactions with strangers can be daunting. Trent at The Simple Dollar, a personal finance blog I read, has 20 ways to start conversations and build connections with people.

A few tips that I found useful were to have a current event on the tip of your tongue and to make sure you listen more than you talk. A current event can be a good conversation starter because it's much more interesting than "So, how about the weather today" and most people enjoy some stimulating conversation and the chance to give their perspective on things. My advice would be to pick a topic that isn't too political, religious, or obscure and think of a few things you can say about it.

The other point about listening ties right into this. I find maintaining a conversation much easier than beginning one. Usually if you spend time listening to what the other person is saying you'll be able to play off their statements with some input or questions of your own. It's also important to remember not to talk more than 50% of the time. In fact, I'd shoot for far less than 50%. If you initiate the conversation and then dominate it people will feel that you are just talking at them and not interested in what they think or say. I call these people Talkaholics and most people avoid eye contact with these people when they walk into the room for fear of being trapped in a one sided, boring conversation. People quickly bore when they feel like they aren't really part of the conversation and instead feel like they are listening to a speech. Keep your part of the conversation to short statements or questions and you'll find an engaging back and forth conversation is pretty easy to maintain--unless your new acquaintance ends up being a Talkaholic!

For 20 great conversation tips check out the article on The Simple Dollar here: 20 Ways to Start a Conversation.