Set yourself apart during business networking events
Picture this, a typical opening dialogue at a networking event:
“How’s it going?”
“Fine. And you?”
“Oh, fine.”
Then what? The conversation may improve, but it also may not. The problem, according to Steve Van Lieshout, PE, is that there’s nothing unique about the opening. After the short, customary exchange, the dialogue may die. To keep it going, you need to take a different approach; to “break the script,” as Steve calls it.
Co-owner of K & S Technologies in Milwaukee, Steve travels extensively for business and networks frequently. He shared his business networking tips during a networking event this morning.
In a nutshell, Steve says, make yourself as unique as possible. Don’t be a “commodity.” When asked how he’s doing, Steve, a cancer survivor, responds with, “It’s a great day to be alive!” That comment causes people to pause. The result is often a smile but more importantly, a more interesting conversation.
Show genuine interest in the other person, and get to know them better. Ask atypical questions, like “What do you do for fun?” and “What keeps you awake at night?”
