Hi! This is Al Martella – thank you to Andrea for allowing me to share some thoughts about networking this week.
“My wife and I were recently at a restaurant and the server helping us was a bit curt. I looked at his badge and saw we share a name.
I asked “Is your name Albert?”
He answered reservedly “Yes, it is.”
I responded “My name is Albert, too.” He nodded his head and offered a slight smile.
“Were you named after a family member” I asked.
He responded “Yes, my father.” “I was named after an uncle” I added.
“My friends call me Al. What do your friends call you? I asked.
“Albert, I prefer Albert.”
With that conversation about a “commonality” we shared, the experience seemed to be much more pleasant.
When we are networking, do we look for the “commonality” we share with others to get a conversation going? A well-placed question can reveal the commonality about a shared:
- Profession or job
- Place of birth
- Interest or hobby
- Reason for being at the event-My wife often starts a conversation with the simple question “Has New Jersey always been your home?” That simple question usually fuels the conversation.
I truly believe we have more in common with each other than we realize. Identifying the commonality can help the networking conversation to be more relevant, and enjoyable, for you and the other person.
What do you think? Andrea and I would love to hear from you and your thoughts and suggestions.