When I was growing up, we did not have Small Talk Networks or groups. We had more formal gatherings where we discussed more serious topics. It was mostly business-like, although some of us did have romantic evenings. These were the days before the computer and the Internet, so even email was not common. Networking was mostly by phone or face to face.
Today, with the advent of the Internet and the computer, Small Talk is now a common way of socializing. Many people still do not know how to talk to other people. The fact that there are a myriad of social networking sites on the Internet, as well as message boards for small talk, indicates that people are coming to understand the value of Small Talk. They want to have conversations with others.
I love Smalltalk. It keeps people interacting. If we sit in a circle and talk for five minutes, nine out of ten people will want to continue the conversation. I find it refreshing that we can have that kind of interaction without having to say a word. I also enjoy the friendly nature of small talk.
It is also helpful to have a friend with whom you can engage in conversation. If you know someone with whom you feel comfortable conversing, invite them to be your friend. Then, when you need to have a conversation with someone else, they are available. You might not realize it, but having another person to talk to can increase your ability to network. I know that I am more social when I have at least one good friend with whom I can speak. My Small Talk with my friends helps me to learn about people's lives.
Small Talk Skills. It is very important to understand that small talk is just as valuable as networking if you do it right. Sometimes, I talk so much that people feel that I am talking over them. Practice being a good small talker by saying hi when you meet new people and leave other people alone. By leaving people alone, you also leave them feeling respected.
Small Talk Networking Tip. If you find that you are talking too much, cut it down. Make sure that you only engage in small talk when it is relevant. For example, if you are at a party or event and there are several people talking about their last night's party, talk to them about that, not about your business or your product.
Do Not Be rude. You do not have to go out of your way to be rude, but do not do it with the idea in mind that you are trying to be humorous or creative. Keep it clean, keep it respectful. Your goal with small talk is to not offend or humiliate other people's sensibilities.
Small Talk is definitely a powerful tool when it comes to networking. Learn how to use it properly and you will see an increase in your networking. The more you do it the better you will get at it. Also, remember that networking is always the first step to success.
Small Talk Networking Tip. Even if you have no idea what the other person's business is, ask. It will be amazing how much you will learn just by taking the initiative to ask. You never know what might pop up. There is always something to talk about.
Do not use small talk to get personal. Do not ask personal questions such as where did you get that great haircut? Or how did you meet that beautiful girl/boy. A great way to leave those kinds of questions is through an intriguing story. People love stories, so it should not be too hard to get your audience interested in your story.
Do not forget that people enjoy a challenge. So, when you get a question about how your business is doing or who you are working with you should take the time to respond with a witty answer that gets the other person asking the question wondering what was all that about. You can use this strategy to get others to refer you to their friends and they will be glad you did.
If you are going to small talk about networking, make sure you are not overbearing and that you are clearly interested in the other party before you begin discussing business. Networking and small talk are a necessary part of building long lasting relationships. If you are going to do business with someone, you need to at least seem like you are interested in them and want to know more about them. You want the person you are doing business with to feel like they can trust you. So be interested, talk to them and have fun!
