how not to be boring, or bored, while networking

"Hey, I remember you! We met at the Creative Fireballs conference last year, and we talked about the weather for 20 minutes!"

 ~ Said no one. Ever.

No one wants to be boring, superficial, or forgettable,

No one wants to be bored by superficial, forgettable conversation.

Here are three ways to re-think your approach, and transform your networking experiences.

1. ❤️‍🔥 Networking IS NOT about superficial small talk.

Yes, a quick comment about the weather is a low-stress, appropriate conversation starter. But it's where you go from there that matters.

If you tell me that you love snow because you're a snowboarder ... you're sharing something interesting, personal, and appropriate for any event.

If I tell you I don't snowboard, but I like cross-country skiing, and figure skating at Chelsea Piers, I'm responding, and sharing my own stories.

We're breaking the ice, melting the tension, and warming up the connection between us. And having a little fun with weather analogies, because networking can and should be fun ...

... So that we can move between "what do you do for fun",  and "what do you do for work", and get to know each other on many levels.

2. ❤️‍🔥 Networking IS NOT sales. 

it IS about building strategic, authentic relationships - to fulfill mutual goals. It is meant to be both relational and transactional. And when you know how to navigate these human interactions, networking can and should be less stressful, more effective, and more enjoyable.

3. ❤️‍🔥 Networking IS NOT about impressing people; IT IS about connecting with people.

So please, please, please:

⚫️ Leave the slick sales pitches for your marketing materials

⚫️ Forget the boring blah blah (because we really will forget it!)

⚫️ Stop rehearsing, and start listening and responding in the moment:

Pay attention to the what people say; compare and contrast your lives and work; share real stories that go deeper, with intention and meaning.

And you’ll experience less stressful, more effective, and enjoyable events … and develop wonderful relationships.

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