My good friend, Al Martella, Executive Coach to the Stars who coached and mentored thousands of financial advisors at a major financial services firm is back with another nugget this week. In fact, he will be sharing the next two nuggets as I travel to Morocco.
“Andrea has often shared with me that “networking opportunities are everywhere” and I believe that she is absolutely correct. Whether you are at a formal networking event, a social occasion, on the line at a coffee shop, or in thousands of other places, the opportunity exists. (I love bookstores – I meet the most interesting people there!)”
I can vouch for this– I know that Al is a frequent visitor to his local Barnes & Noble.(ARN)
When two people connect, and recognize the commonalities they share, all is well in the world.
Yet what happens when one of the people start to dominate the conversation? What if a simple conversation turns into a TMI (Too Much Information) Moment?
Here are some steps to consider:
- Be polite; allow them to formulate a complete thought. Ask yourself – what are they trying to say?
- When they take a breath ask “May I summarize what I think you are saying?”
- Thank them for their time and explain there are other people at the gathering that you both now have the opportunity to meet and connect with.S
- Say Good bye and if there is an opportunity to follow up at some point, ask their preferred method to do so.
- Exit graciously.
Networking opportunities ARE everywhere. Sometimes it just takes time and effort to find those that can be mutually beneficial.
What do you think? Would love to hear from you and your thoughts and suggestions.