In this section you will find simple ways to start a conversation. Choose the ones that generally work for you. Those you are comfortable with. They can be changed as you get more comfortable.
Remember: Your primary goal is to start a relationship. Selling comes later after you have consolidated the relationship.
“When you stay on purpose and refuse to be discouraged by fear, you align with the infinite self, in which all possibilities exist.” Dr. Wayne Dyer
“Don’t die with your music still inside you. Listen to your intuitive inner voice and find what passion stirs your soul.” Dr. Wayne Dye
“Success doesn’t happen overnight. Keep your eye on your goal and never look back.”
When you meet someone for the first time, remember, you have already formed an opinion of them and they of you. This can be conscious and sub-conscious. Your opinion may impact what you say and how you say it. Therefore, it is important to get really comfortable with your opening question or comment.
This is where the importance of knowing yourself helps. You become more comfortable, the more you understand yourself and your reactions.
Eye contact and a smile go a long way. A handshake is also important. These days both men and women will generally shake hands.
Example Ice Breakers
- “Hi, my name is ……., what’s yours?”
- “What do you?”
- “How long have you been ……..?”
- “What put you in such a happy mood?”
- “What did you think of …….?”
- “Do you do this often?”
The options are unlimited, but always keep it simple. Topical events are always useful. For example:
- “Have you been watching the Olympics?”
- “Which of the Olympic sports do you prefer?”
- “What did you think of the Olympics?”
Nice easy simple questions that open up possibilities to further the conversation. The next thing you say should relate to what they said. At the same time, you can learn a lot about them. Are they open or closed? Are they happy or serious, etc. Can they maintain eye contact? Are they happy to chat or are they keen to get away? The more you observe, the more clues to help you develop the prospect towards another meeting. The whole process can take as little as 5 or 10 minutes. You want to close on a positive note with them and you feeling good about the interaction. That’s it. No more.
Sample First Meeting
- Richard: “Hi my names Richard.”
- Prospect: “Hi.”
- Richard: “What is your name?”
- Prospect: “Michael”
- Richard: “What do you do, Michael?”
At this point the conversation can go in any direction. I suggest you develop it and eventually sooner rather than later they will ask you what you do. Then you have your opportunity to deliver your one liner. Make it good. If you get it right they will want to know more. If they don’t then ask them if they want to know more. Don’t give then any more than a little bait. Now is your chance to arrange to meet again and if you succeed then you can develop the relationship further.
Yes, it is that simple. You will not hook everybody every time because some people are clearly not interested. However, do not shut them out because you never know and they may suddenly become interested. In networking and sales, when contact is maintained, successful outcomes can occur years later. Your goal is an average of 3 or 4 next meetings a week, which is plenty. With an average of 3 or 4 a week there is a big possibility of eventually signing one up every month from those 12. That is 12 a year. Imaging what your business could be like at that rate?
Next we go on to developing the prospect. Then we will move on to covering: getting them to attend meetings, running your own meetings, supporting your two legs, helping others support their two legs, building shopping annuity, selling products, etc.
If you want more on any area specifically, all you have to do is ask.
