The power of networking is common knowledge nowadays. What’s not so common is knowing how to consistently and effectively do it. Networking is simple, but far from easy.
Whenever I’m speaking to a group about networking at least one person asks, “But what do you say (or talk about) when you first meet someone?” And someone else will inevitably ask, “What do you say (or do) when there’s a lull in the conversation?”
My response to both questions is the same. First decide if the person is really in the mood to talk to you. If you feel like someone doesn’t really want to talk to you, it’s no big deal. Move on to someone else.
Schmooze. Sounds nasty, right? In fact is the grease that lubricates your interaction with people – both in business and social settings. Skilled schmoozers are loved and respected by everyone. They make other people feel important and smart. When people like you and trust you, it is much easier to ask them to do business with you.
What is schmooze? Schmoozing is about NOT getting right down to business. It’s about hanging out with people for a little bit and getting to know them. Remember Dale Carnegie’s famous dictum, “Everyone favorite topic of conversation is themselves.” That is the schmoozer’s motto.
The key to successful schmooze is to ask questions. When you ask, Read More...
The power of networking is common knowledge nowadays. What’s not so common is knowing how to consistently and effectively do it. Networking is simple, but far from easy.
