It’s difficult to exaggerate how important networking is. You must start interacting with new individuals if you want to progress in your career or look for a new job. But you probably think of your networking as happening in pretty normal places and situations, like conferences, business events, and online seminars. But what chances are you passing up?
You must strike up conversations with strangers. Yes, it’s hard for many people who live in London or other big cities to get into this habit, but embracing your inner “country barkeep” can have a lot of benefits. If you can master the skill of making connections at random, you’ll be able to take advantage of wonderful opportunities and meet people who can have a big influence on your career.
David Topus, who calls himself a “master connector,” writes about this idea in his book Talk to Total Strangers: How Everyday, Random Encounters Can Expand Your Business, Career, Income, and Life. The advantages of “random linking” are extolled by him. Specifically, communicating with everyone you come into contact with in your daily life includes interactions with strangers over the internet, in social media groups, and at seminars.
The primary idea of Topus is that everyone you encounter might know the answers to the questions you’re looking for in life. You’ll meet people who work for companies whose products or services you’re interested in learning more about by conversing with folks in both online and offline settings. You can be sure to strike up a conversation with authorities in your area of expertise and with people whose abilities you’re wanting to hire. There are plenty of mentorship opportunities, potential business partners, and clients ready to speak with you.
How to Connect with People Successfully
It might not come naturally to you to connect with strangers if you are not skilled in the art of small talk. Use this advice to network with strangers in a relaxed, cordial, and successful manner.
- Be open to social cues-Be alert to social cues because not everyone enjoys chit-chatting. When you are with them, be alert for distractions or a lack of attention, such as headphones, a book, or a closed expression. Online, you should always check to see if you can send more messages.
- Use context clues- Utilize context cues, but choose a topic of conversation based on the current encounter. Allow the online event to deliver particular conversation starters when you’re there. It will be less awkward than saying, “Hi, I’m Joe!” because you will already have something in common.
- Swing the topic towards business – Turn the conversation into business. Subtly probe the subjects of employment, travel, and education. Even personal interests might provide useful business information. You may remark, “I love getting out on my feet because my job requires me to sit at a desk all day,” when discussing golf. How are you doing?
- Show genuine interest- Genuinely interested people are more likely to engage in conversation. Engage them in conversation and ask them pointed questions to show that you’re interested in what they have to say.
- Always follow up – once you’ve begun developing a relationship, don’t let it fizzle out. Take their contact information from WhatsApp, add them on social networks, email them, and remain in touch.
Do you think you’d give “random connecting” a shot? Does it come naturally to you, or is it inconsistent with who you are? Please share your opinions with me.
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