Sublime
An inspiration engine for ideas
Don’t be afraid of looking dumb or saying the wrong thing. Laughing at yourself is the best way to develop a sense of humor (if you don’t already have one) and, at the same time, make people feel less threatened by you.
Debra Fine • The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!
Facial expressions, head nods, and positive body language are clear ways of expressing interest in your conversation partner’s words.
Debra Fine • The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!
Social: Ask for Referrals • I’d like to find someone who’s interested in hiking or who has info on hiking groups. Do you know whether anyone here can help me? • Do you know anyone here who’s also new to this area? • I’m going to look for someone interested in volunteer activities. • Who do you know that might enjoy watching the New York Giants game
... See moreDebra Fine • The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!
Notice that I didn’t make excuses for my leaving. I didn’t say I had to call the babysitter or that I needed to return a page. That well-known adage “honesty is the best policy” is really true. It’s important to retain your poise and state your reason for departing courteously. Even if you
Debra Fine • The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!
Fear of rejection keeps many of us from risking conversation,
Debra Fine • The Fine Art of Small Talk: How to Start a Conversation, Keep It Going, Build Networking Skills -- and Leave a Positive Impression!
Miriam Erdweg
@mje
They promote internal networking.
John Doerr • Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs
People Skills
Always begin and end your business conversation with small talk to humanize the relationship.