Let’s admit it, not everyone is born to be a social butterfly at social events. It’s not easy putting
yourself out there in a room full of strangers, especially if you are always used to being reserved or
amongst a small group of friends. However, networking greatly impacts being a successful entrepreneur
because these connections can help you from investments and marketing, to advertising and creating
noise for your brand. Here are a few tips you can use the next time you attend a social event so that you
can turn small talk into a smart conversation.
Aside from the basic pointers (like have a firm handshake and maintain eye contact), you first
have to gauge the person you are presented with. Is he the CEO of a company? Does he give off the
friendly vibes or more of the collected aura? These factors will determine how you will approach the
person, and hopefully it will help you match their conversational style. When starting a conversation, try
not to ask questions that are answerable with one word. Asking “how are you?” will most likely give you
a generic response and a few seconds of awkward silence, so try asking more engaging questions like how
did they end up in their line of work, what are their thoughts regarding the event so far, and the like. This
way, you will come off as genuinely interested in their opinion and experiences, rather than resorting to
aimless chatter.
From breaking the mirror and engaging in the conversation, you can then decide whether to make
this acquaintance to your advantage in a business sense. If their profession is aligned with yours, or you
can see a potential tie up, then by all means, pitch it to them! There is no harm in seeking new
opportunities, and there is not much to lose if they decline your offer. Taking this leap of faith may lead to
various possibilities for both businesses and interests. In the event that your interests do not match, or
your businesses are virtually unlinkable, you may still learn a thing or two from this newfound
connection. You can inquire about the technicalities of their business, or ask how their business differs
from others. By learning about other businesses, you can pick up strategies or tricks that you can apply on
your own business.
The main takeaway from this is to be confident in selling yourself and your business, and always
be on the lookout for something innovative and new! Social events are meant for networking and making
connections, so do not be afraid to take advantage of this opportunity to boost your business.