Do you ever wonder why some of the conversations you have at networking events flow beautifully, while others fall flat? The problem may not be your choice of topic, says Allison Graham, London, Ont.-based author of From Business Cards to Business Relationships: Personal Branding and Profitable Networking Made Easy, as much as the way you approach it. The good news is that practically any topic can be made into a good discussion if you take the right tack.
“Bad” conversations occur when comments remain superficial or the conversation becomes too one-sided. The goal of networking is to connect with others and begin to establish relationships. And that requires a delicate balance between sharing details of your life and not allowing yourself to become the focus of the exchange.
Here are three popular subjects that can be turned into great networking conversations:
1. The weather
It is a given that Canadians are prone to chatting about the weather in social situations, Graham says. That’s because it is a non-invasive topic that applies equally to everyone.
However, it can also be considered a last-ditch topic when no other ideas come to mind. That doesn’t have to be the case, according to Graham.
Use the initial idea of weather to reveal something about yourself by relating it to one of your favourite activities. For example, you might say that you don’t mind the dropping temperature because it means ski season is around the corner. You can then ask the person you’re speaking with if he or she has a favourite outdoor activity.
2. Your children
You can chat about your kids if you remember some key ideas.
For one, recognize that this topic won’t interest everyone, Graham says, specially those who do not have children. Even if you are talking to other parents, this topic can still be boring if you dominate the discussion with stories of your children’s talents and abilities.
Feel free to highlight one or two interesting details about your children, Graham says, but don’t use this time to list every achievement you can think of. Going on about your child is equivalent to talking too much about yourself. It is a one-sided conversation that doesn’t engage the other person.
To turn this topic into a more appropriate networking conversation, find some common ground. For example, you can chat about the challenges of raising children and working full-time, a subject that many parents can relate to. Your discussion might turn into an exchange of suggestions on ways you and your new acquaintance handle this issue.
3. Local gossip — the good kind
Talking about others can make for a great conversation. Just keep it positive. Before talking about someone else, ask yourself: Would I be comfortable sharing this information if the subject of the chat was in front of me?
“The greatest thing you can do,” Graham says, “is get caught giving somebody a compliment behind their back. That makes people feel great.”
If, while speaking with someone, you become aware that a mutual acquaintance has won a community or professional award, this is one piece of “gossip” you can confidently bring up. It is good-news that relates to some common ground you have with your conversation partner. And it show that you are a positive person who is willing to share complimentary comments about others.