One of my pet hates at networking meetings is to meet someone for the first time and they jump straight into ‘So, what do you do?’
It’s very common but just because other people do it does not mean it’s effective. It tends to lead to conversations without connection and networking is all about connection.
Small talk is to networking what oil is to an engine. It makes everything run so much more smoothly. With a bit of old fashioned small talk, people tend to open up more and connect with you. Of course you will inevitably get to the ‘What do you do?’ but it gets much better results if you have broken the ice and gotten the conversation warmed up first.
A simple way of getting the small talk going at a networking event is to make a positive comment followed by a question: For example:
‘This is a lovely venue, have you been here before? or
‘It’s very busy in here. Is this your first time at this event?’ or
‘This is very impressive. Are you a member?’
Be the one who gets the conversation going. Once the other person has launched into ‘What do you do?’ it’s quite hard to get back to the small talk. Better you take the lead, introduce yourself, and then get some small talk going.
The great thing is that when you get good at small talk then the world becomes one giant networking meeting. People who follow my blog will know that I chat to people anywhere – even at my local health spa in the sauna!
You never know who you might be sitting next to on an aeroplane or standing behind in a queue. Us British tend to queue a lot and each time is a potential networking opportunity if you start with a bit of small talk. It’s tempting sometimes to join a long queue just for the networking opportunity!
Phil is an Internationally sought after, keynote speaker, who speaks regularly on the subjects of Presenting and Networking effectively.
Andy Bounds is an award-winning consultant and conference speaker. To sign-up for his free weekly advice on communication/sales best practices, visit www.andybounds.com/tips
Rob Brown is an in-demand networking coach and speaker on business networking, LinkedIn, referrals, trust and likeability. If you want to make more money, win more business or accelerate your career through networking, go to www.therobbrown.com
Sandra runs BNI(Business Network International) in 19 counties of Ireland. BNI is Ireland’s leading business referral organisation, she is also BNI’s Director of European Affairs
Charlie Lawson – BNI National Director and Word of Mouth marketing expert, whose passion is to see BNI members succeed in their businesses.
Labelled ‘Mr Network’ by The Sun, Andy Lopata was called ‘one of Europe’s leading business networking strategists’ by the Financial Times.
Penny Power has dedicated her life for the past 13 years to the potential of the internet and digital tools for SME’s by helping them connect through and understand the ‘social web’. In 1998 Penny founded Ecademy, the UK’s first social network for business. 
Ewan helps business people grow their contacts by “word of mouth marketing” and is a key note speaker at conferences on the subject of referral marketing.
Heather Townsend is The Author Of 
Richard White is The Author of 
Iain Whyte is an international Keynote Speaker, and published Author. Considered an expert in relationship-building, networking and word of mouth marketing.
David Wimblett is The Author of 