Apparently I'm not the only person who talks to strangers!
If you read the comments on yesterday's post, note the comment from James (the second one). I've met James before and then ran into him at a business trade show Thursday morning. We walked and talked on our way to Starbucks. We then struck up a conversation with a friendly fellow named T'shaka while waiting in line. What did we talk about? Coffee, of course.
That's one of the "tricks" to talking with strangers. Make your comments very strictly related to your situation. How long the line is, how much you like coffee, or the age-old standby - the weather. Of course in Fresno, it's "OMG I can't believe how hot it is" for most of the year, which doesn't leave the other person much more to say except for "I know, it's so hot."
Another tip is to not ask a question. Make a statement, but just put it out there like you could be talking to yourself. That way if they don't want to talk, you're not forcing them to respond. They can ignore it. Or, they can respond back and you've got the conversational ball moving along.
Hey James, we had fun that morning, but you totally missed it in the afternoon. When I went for another cup of coffee, I didn't have to start the conversation. Hoss did.
Hoss is about 6'5", works for a process server... and a florist! He was as nice and congenial and polite as they come. I don't think Hoss could not talk to strangers. And I bet everyone talks back, too.
Networking tips and the best way to network ... by Networking on Purpose! Professional business networking strategies from Beth Bridges, speaker, and author.
Do You Talk to Strangers?
We were all taught as children to not talk to strangers. I'm sure my parents tried as hard as anyone else, but as soon as I could talk, I spoke to anyone and everyone.
My poor Mom, if she turned her back on me in a department store, I was gone. But not to worry! I would end up chatting away with the ladies at the checkout.
I still talk to "strangers" every day. Other people fascinate me. I usually find them charming; and if they're not charming, they are still interesting.
On Thursday I was part of a day-long event with a trade show and seminars. I talked to new people all day long as they visited the Clovis Chamber booth. No problem, that's what we're supposed to do at a trade show (or any other networking forum). But I also talk to people when I'm in line for lunch or coffee.
I think a lot of people are fine with talking to strangers, but they don't want to start the conversation. They worry that they'll be rebuffed or that the other person will turn out to be a stalker (I guess). Whatever their reasons, I find that most of the time they are willing to converse, as long as someone else starts it.
Do you talk to strangers? Please comment and let me know if you do, where and when.
My poor Mom, if she turned her back on me in a department store, I was gone. But not to worry! I would end up chatting away with the ladies at the checkout.
I still talk to "strangers" every day. Other people fascinate me. I usually find them charming; and if they're not charming, they are still interesting.
On Thursday I was part of a day-long event with a trade show and seminars. I talked to new people all day long as they visited the Clovis Chamber booth. No problem, that's what we're supposed to do at a trade show (or any other networking forum). But I also talk to people when I'm in line for lunch or coffee.
I think a lot of people are fine with talking to strangers, but they don't want to start the conversation. They worry that they'll be rebuffed or that the other person will turn out to be a stalker (I guess). Whatever their reasons, I find that most of the time they are willing to converse, as long as someone else starts it.
Do you talk to strangers? Please comment and let me know if you do, where and when.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)