| |
| |
|
Networking Information |
|
|
|
How to Avoid Falling Asleep Behind the Conversational Wheel
Think about the last time you feel asleep behind the wheel. Dangerous, isn't it? Even if it's just for a split second, nodding off while driving puts you and the other drivers at risk. But even when you're not driving, it's still possible to fall asleep behind the wheel. The conversational wheel, that is? To avoid falling asleep behind the conversational wheel, you must avoid four behaviors. The following guide will show you how to get off at the right exit, concentrate on the road, merge into the correct lane and avoid road rage with other drivers. As a result, you will become a better driver (more approachable) so you can safely navigate the way to your final destination (connect and communicate with anybody). Don't Miss Your Exit The same goes for conversation. When you are uncertain, you will miss your exit, or the opportunity to make a valuable connection with someone. This uncertainty breeds from the fear of rejection - the number one reason people don't start conversations. However, practice will make your fear fade away. Therefore, take an active instead of a passive role in your conversations and prepare your introduction ahead of time. Think about what you will say when you meet new people. Read the newspaper for discussion points. Another effective technique is to have three open-ended questions ready in advance that will encourage self-disclosure and engagement. These ice breakers are your conversational "directions." Use them, and you won't find yourself driving where the streets have no names. Keep Your Eyes on the Road When interacting with people, what distracts you? Other stuff on your mind? Other people to talk to? Too self-conscious? Think about the last time you were introduced to someone and forgot everything about him. Especially his name. Ouch! The reason you forgot so quickly is because you were distracted. You didn't take a genuine interest in the other person because you were too busy thinking about #2, which is you. That's right, you're #2?they are #1. Focus on the moment of introduction and repeat back key information you just heard. "That's interesting Elena, I didn't know Monsanto was expanding." This will widen the areas of your memory circuit and make it easier to connect and communicate with people around you. Remember, it's more valuable to concentrate on the road than the soundtrack to the road. Don't Swerve Into the Wrong Lane Conversation is the same way: it's all about respecting personal space. People have different "lane" sizes, but most social contexts adhere to the same spatial principles: 18 inches for intimate distance; 3 feet for personal distance; and 4-12 feet for social distance. So, if you'd like to approach other people who are engaged in conversation, examine their "lane" before you think it's safe to merge. And when the time is right to join in the conversation, always remember to use your turn signals, i.e., nonverbal listening cues like nodding and eye contact; ask open ended questions based on iceberg statements or politely add an opinion or observation to show your desire to be included. Try this, and they will be happy to let you into their lane! Don't Promote Road Rage Imagine some guy in the lane next to you who won't give you space to turn. The music is blasting. He's way over the speed limit. And he doesn't care one bit about where you had to be five minutes ago! This is an example of a typical road rage incident. Now think about the last meeting, event or party you attended. While driving down the road of social interaction, did you elicit road rage from other drivers? Were you unapproachable? Did you avoid eye contact? Did you forget names? Perhaps it wasn't the traffic after all. Drive Safe Therefore, in order to drive safely, adhere to the following rules: 1) Don't miss your exit: be aware of approaching opportunities to make valuable connections; 2) Keep your eyes on the road: focus on the moment of introduction to maintain rapport with people you've just met; 3) Don't swerve into the wrong lane: offer open, nonverbal signals to those with whom you want to communicate; and 4) Don't promote road rage: make yourself approachable so other people are comfortable in your presence. Keep these ideas in mind and you will be certain to avoid falling asleep behind the conversational wheel. Drive safely! © 2005 All Rights Reserved. Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, "The World's Foremost Expert on Nametags" and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their approachability and become UNFORGETTABLE communicators - one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
networking - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Foundation of Networking: Its Not Rocket Science Commandment 1LoveWhen we choose to simply love, our giving and receiving becomes unconditional. We can listen and not be caught up in the vicious cycle of judgment. Online Business Networking: How Personal is Too Personal? Online networking has opened up some fantastic business opportunities for solo entrepreneurs. You can open an account with one of the major online business networks such as Ryze, and get to know industrious and inspiring minds from all corners of the world. Lesson 61 - When Does Aggressiveness Turn Into Annoyance? The StoryWhen attending conferences, conventions, or private events, it's guaranteed that you will talk with many people, especially those sitting at your table. Perhaps you may talk with someone you haven't met before. It Pays to be Friendly Most small business people do not take advantage of human relationship issues. They do not understand that being nice and friendly, out going and enthusiastic pays high dividends. 10 Top Tips for Successful Networking 1. Recognise the importance of networkingAsk any successful business person and they will tell you that above all else networking skills are absolutely vital to grow your business. Have We Met Before? What to Do When You Cant Remember Who Yourre Talking To You see him from across the room. You know him, but you can't remember how you know him. Good Manners Mean Good Business Good manners, good networking and good business all have the same thing in common. What they have in common is "you!" You are the secret weapon that everyone is looking for to help promote themselves effortlessly, enhance their communication skills, and more effectively network. Why Cant I Start A Conversation With You? One out of every ten Americans has a fear of talking to strangers. When you enter a room full of new faces, to start these conversations seems like an impossible task. Networking Skills: Arguing in Context If you're fond of a good debate, you know how to annihilate someone else's position in an argument while still somehow managing to keep a friendly rapport with that person. This tactic is frequently used by politicians and lawyers, and one that will no doubt come in handy in online networking. Joining Industry Specific Organizations Has Many Benefits Recently, while providing an up-and-coming Virtual Assistant (VA) and small business owner with some start-up information, she asked me a very interesting question, "Why do you and other VA's join organizations?"I guess I take for granted the reasons why I belong to several industry specific organizations. But, to those that are new to any industry, joining an organization made up of your competitors is a valid concern. Networking Networking: Is it who you know or what you know that counts?Who you know gets you into the door, what you know keeps you there! Majority of the people who are in the work force today have got their opportunities through people that they knew or know. Networking in my opinion is the key to starting a successful career. Test Your Networking Know-How Let's test your knowledge on networking:1)The best definition of networking is: a) Schmoozing at meetings and events b) The solicitation of funds c) Building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships d) Marketing and selling your products and services to everyone in the room so you can meet your sales quota before your boss fires you2) Why do you network? a) To develop your business b) To help other people c) To share information d) All of the above3) What are the most effective ways to network? a) Regularly attending meetings, events and activities b) Talking to random people in the streets, stores, busses and bathrooms c) Offering referrals, resources and recommendations d) It doesn't matter as long as you help others first and remember that it ain't about you4) True or False: Networking is not a skill, but rather a hereditary trait passed down from your father not unlike height or Male Pattern Baldness.5) True or False: Networking isn't always strategic, but frequently occurs by an accident and/or stroke of luck which falls in your lap like a gift from God. Are You Sitting With The Right Company? When I walked into Dallas's famous Y.O. Giving the Gift of Your Name (The Networking Factor) Although, this is about giving the gift of your name to others, it certainly runs a close second in importance to "Whats' in a name?"What is giving the gift of your name? Giving the gift of your name is when you see someone you haven't seen in a while and you are kind enough to give (remind) him or her your name (the gift) again without any hesitation.It's not nice to keep someone guessing about your name. You Can't Spell Networking Without Serendipity "Fear not to entertain strangers for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware."This quotation is from the book of Hebrews, which means it probably has nothing to do with networking. Unforgettable First Impressions Part 2: Its All About Them! Jean de la Bruyere said, "The great gift of conversation lies less in displaying it ourselves than in drawing it out of others. He who leaves your company pleased with himself and his own cleverness is perfectly well pleased with you. Networking - How To Do It Networking is probably the oldest, easiest, most effective and least expensive way to get more business. It doesn't necessarily involve selling your product or service but it does mean selling yourself. Powerful Networking: Focus on Building Connections, Not Closing Sales You can find numerous references in the business literature about the importance of a company's mission. These sources emphasize that the mission is not to make a profit; that a profit is the outcome of and reward for fulfilling the mission. How to Announce a New Product How can the introduction of new products affect the way I network at meetings?When I have a new product to launch, I make sure that I have a 20 to 30 second pitch ready for the next networking event I attend. I also make sure that I have a supply of product announcements offering a free sample. How To Make Your Next Networking Event A Success There are people who are natural born networkers - those people that can make conversation in any situation and have no problem walking up to complete strangers. This article is for the rest of us - networking tips that help reduce the stress of attending a networking event and will have you walking away from the event with prospects.
|
| Article List | Index | Site Map |
|
All logos, trademarks and articles on this site are property and copyright of their respective owner(s).
The comments are property of their posters, all the rest is Copyright © 2006 CanadaSEEK.com - All Rights Reserved. |
