Are you a collector or a connector?

Have you ever been at a networking event and met someone who didn't want to talk, they just went around the room asking everyone for business cards? Networking is all about making that connection with others rather than seeing whose business cards you can collect. To me it is quality versus quantity. I would rather have one conversation with someone that is a potential client or a good lead source than to meet ten people that that are only interested in making that sale.

Conversation Starters

Meeting people for the first time can be hard. What do you say? Here are some conversation starters that have worked for me.

• How did you get into your line of work?


• What about the profession interested you?


• What major changes do you foresee in your industry?


• What have you found to be the best ways of getting the word out and promoting your business?


• I meet people frequently, tell me: How would I know if someone I meet would be a good contact for you? (Every question delivers an impression about you, so ask questions that make you look smart, informed and concerned.)

People do business with those they like and trust. In every interaction and every conversation be that person!