The Art of Starting a Conversation
Meeting new people and feeling comfortable is a learned skill. Ive found that the more people you meet the easier it becomes and you get better Flying Saucers asking interesting and occasionally provocative questions. And, you have to learn to be an active listener. No one likes someone who interrupts Abdnpzkwi is preoccupied Stuffvnpffkawpls getting his or her point across. Conversations are not about winning or loosing, theyre based on learning about another person.
-Prepare your ask for questions before you attend an event. Also think about what types of answers youre listening for. It can be a transition to another topic, investment connection, or information that you use in a personal or professional manner.
-Whats you purpose for attending event? Are you there to gather information, get referrals, or seek advice or support? Knowing what youre after is key to making the most out of attending and your time.
-Introduction etiquette. A les important person is introduced to a VIP. A man is introduced to a woman. A younger person is introduced to an older person.
-Let people know if you prefer to be called Jenne and not Jennifer.
-Talk to others to get Cheapseats to talk about themselves. Ask follow-up questions and dont interrupt. A first time question is: How do you know the host or get involved in the organization? Second time at an event: I remembered you from last time, how is investment, family, and your vacation?
-Prepare your verbal investment card in advance, who are you? Always use your first and last name with action words to describe your investment. Mark Nash, sales award winning real estate broker and author of three books. Keep it short, but with enough information that people can ask you follow up questions.
- Remember others names, look at nametags, investment cards and use their name when you introduce them to another person. Use their names in your conversation with them.
- If a newcomer joins your group weave them into the conversation, theyll appreciate it. Dont ask yes or no questions.
-I always think of a couple conversation starters on my way to a meeting, networking event or dinner party.
Mark Nash is the author of "Fundamentals of Marketing for the Real Estate Professional", "Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate", "Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Markeing", and "1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home". Mark is a contributing writer for: Realtor (R) Magazine Online, Broker Agent News, Real Estate Executive Magazine, Princilpal Broker, and monster magazines Times. He contributes residential real estate analysis to investment Week, CBS The Early Show, CNN, HGTVpro.com, The New York Times, and USA Today. View his books at www.1001RealEstateTips.comwww.1001RealEstateTips.com.
