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Networking Tips: 3 Wickedly Simple Ways to Red Carpet Ready Your Conversations

One of the toughest things about networking is knowing what to say. And I don’t mean the usual “blah, blah, blah” about your business. I mean being both interested and interesting so that you’ll be remembered beyond your tagline. (You do have a tagline, don’t you?)  This is about being a good conversationalist. It means you’ll always have something relevant and either educational or entertaining to share at a networking event, over a business lunch, or at a client dinner.

Think beyond the business box. Know that you will be in that red carpet ready position, being on the spot and needing to shine (isn’t that what red carpet walkers are?) So here are just 3 Wickedly Simply Ways to Red Carpet Ready Your Conversations (networking tips):

#1 Listen to News Once a Day (at least)
You don’t need to become a news junkie, but you do need to be up on the latest headlines both locally, nationally and globally. Personally, I’m a radio fan, and don’t watch TV news unless in the gym, do what works for you. Skip the politics unless it is something particularly colorful and non-partisan like when Congressman Anthony Weiner was caught with his proverbial pants down. Know the big stories so you can contribute your opinion and thoughts to a discussion.

#2 Get to the Movies
You don’t even have to go to a theatre anymore, but can watch Netflix at home or do it the old fashioned way and rent a video from Blockbuster.  And when you travel, I am a big fan of taking at least one night with room service to gorge myself on the latest lodgenet movie features in the comfort of my room. This makes it simple to have conversation with just about anyone since movies are so well publicized and everyone has their favorite stars, themes, and more. And don’t forget YouTUBE and my favorite, TED and TEDx talks.

#3 Read Business and General Interest Publications (not just your industry)
Whether you like your reading online or offline isn’t the point, the point is that you broaden your horizons, stretch your mind, and discover some of the new things going on in the world today outside of your industry (and inside it.) Some of my favorites include Fast Company, INC., Forbes (online), Robb Report and Entrepreneur magazine. I also indulge in Smithsonian when at the chiropractors, and design and decorating publications (House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Dwell) when traveling.

The key to being a good conversationalist and gifted networker is that you are a well rounded individual and can easily move in and out of a variety of conversations on a variety of topics. You don’t need to be an expert, except in your field, but being able to discuss current events, current entertainment, newsworthy and notable individuals and companies, as well as your own expertise will make you irresistible to be around and add to your networking abilities.

So, as always, I want to HEAR FROM YOU! In the comments below, share HOW YOU STAY IN CONVERSATIONAL SHAPE, what are your sources for news, entertainment (sports too), and business and general interest. How do you build your Renaissance factor?

Filed Under: Marketing Strategies Tagged With: Business Development, Business Success, Networking, Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Social networking

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. adrian from the cast iron air brick company says

    February 23, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Hi Melissa, love reading your newsletters.
    Just to show I’ve been paying attention did you know Blockbuster in the UK has gone bust ?!
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21490465

    Reply
    • Melissa Galt says

      February 23, 2013 at 11:46 am

      Adrian,
      I’m not surprised, actually googled before I published this and still looked live in USA, lol. Technology changes things so very fast! Glad to have you reading always.

      Hugs, Melissa

      Reply
  2. Linda Ursin says

    February 23, 2013 at 8:52 am

    I should really keep up with news better. I get some of the local, national and international news via friends posting them on Facebook. I haven’t watched a movie in ages, because I don’t like the popular genras. I do however read a lot, and keep up with fellow pagans, heathens, entrepreneurs and other blogs.

    I’m very open and talkative though, so I’m never at a loss for words.

    Reply
    • Melissa Galt says

      February 23, 2013 at 11:56 am

      Linda,
      Are your colleagues your clients?? It is always helpful to have a diversity of knowledge and topics even beyond your area of specific interest :).

      Hugs, Melissa

      Reply
      • Linda Ursin says

        May 18, 2013 at 9:18 am

        They aren’t, at least not to my knowledge. So I keep up with crafters and other groups as well 🙂

        Reply
  3. Yitz says

    February 25, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    Wonderful reminders as always Melissa. I’m going to go watch a TED talk RIGHT NOW!

    Are you having a spectacular day?

    Yitz

    Reply
    • Melissa Galt says

      February 25, 2013 at 5:47 pm

      Thanks Yitz,

      Day is always spectacular when I hear from you! I could get lost in TED talks for days . . .dream of mine is to be on that stage one of these day.

      Hugs, Melissa

      Reply
  4. Yitz says

    February 25, 2013 at 4:22 pm

    Here’s the TED Talk I found: Michael Dickinson: How a fly flies

    Have a great day!

    Reply
    • Melissa Galt says

      February 25, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      I had no doubt you’d find something edutaining! Hugs, M

      Reply

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