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  • Answer Upon - Conversation 101: Four Tips to Get Started

    What Makes a Successful Negotiator? Five Steps to Negotiating Like an Expert
    My husband loves to negotiate. So much so that whenever I need to buy new running shoes, he always buys a pair, too, with the hopes that he can swing a "deal" with the store by buying two pairs at once. Of course, he never gets a discount, but what I find fascinating is the number of times he asks for a discount, doesn't get it, and still buys the item at full price anyway.I started thinking about this from the seller's perspective, by analyzing my own negotiation techniques, and
    listening intently which is very flattering.

    3) Deepen the Discussion
    To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

    4) Exit with Grace
    OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to

    Developing and Marketing Niche Products
    In today’s business world conventional and online business markets are so competitive that many business persons are turning their attention toward developing niche products where the competition from very large firms is not nearly as large. You can find ideas for niche products by going online and conducting a search on www.Google.com. You can conduct a search by finding the root word of the business that you want to search for (in this example we will use “1970’s eclectic fashions”). T
    Not sure what to talk about at your next networking meeting or cocktail party? The key to easy conversation is getting curious about other people. When you see someone you want to talk to, get curious about who that person is, what s/he likes, who you know in common, what brings the person to the event, etc. Allowing your inquisitive mind to blossom will improve your conversational skills dramatically.

    Below, you'll find tips on easy ways to initiate a conversation, keep it going, and exit with grace.

    1) Breaking the Ice
    If you are on the shy side or feel unsure about what to say, use this simple method to strike up a conversation. Ask a person who looks friendly a question about your shared environment – the party, place, group, or even the food. Questions like:

  • "Are you a member of this group?"
  • "The food is fantastic – did you try one of these?"
  • "What do you think about this conference center?"
  • "How are you connected to this group?"

    Another option is to compliment the person – but make sure your flattery is sincere. Personalize the comment if you can. Instead of just mentioning the item you admire, add something about the person's good taste. For example, "What a nice shirt. You must know what colors look good on you to have picked this out."

    2) Dialog Extenders
    Next, really listen to what the other person is saying. Sometimes people get caught up worrying about what to say, rather than paying attention to what is being said. Trust me, it's much easier to keep a conversation going if you only have to follow one at a time! When you relax and listen, you can simply pick up where the other person stopped. Here are three ways to do that:

  • Ask a question about what s/he just said
  • Put in your own two cents about the topic, then finish up with another question.
  • Repeat back the last couple of words, with your tone of voice ending on an up note. This indicates a question and lets the other person know you want more details.

    This classic "reflective listening" technique acknowledges people and shows that you are listening intently which is very flattering.

    3) Deepen the Discussion
    To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

    4) Exit with Grace
    OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to

    Are You a Manager or a Leader - or Both?
    When I ask my coaching clients, mostly senior executives, what they do during a typical working day, I notice that most of them spend the majority of their time with management rather than with leadership issues.You may ask: What is actually the difference between management and leadership? I like the simple but to-the-point distinction made by the legendary Peter Drucker. He said: “Management is about doing things right, Leadership is about doing the right things.” Or in other wo
    Ice
    If you are on the shy side or feel unsure about what to say, use this simple method to strike up a conversation. Ask a person who looks friendly a question about your shared environment – the party, place, group, or even the food. Questions like:

  • "Are you a member of this group?"
  • "The food is fantastic – did you try one of these?"
  • "What do you think about this conference center?"
  • "How are you connected to this group?"

    Another option is to compliment the person – but make sure your flattery is sincere. Personalize the comment if you can. Instead of just mentioning the item you admire, add something about the person's good taste. For example, "What a nice shirt. You must know what colors look good on you to have picked this out."

    2) Dialog Extenders
    Next, really listen to what the other person is saying. Sometimes people get caught up worrying about what to say, rather than paying attention to what is being said. Trust me, it's much easier to keep a conversation going if you only have to follow one at a time! When you relax and listen, you can simply pick up where the other person stopped. Here are three ways to do that:

  • Ask a question about what s/he just said
  • Put in your own two cents about the topic, then finish up with another question.
  • Repeat back the last couple of words, with your tone of voice ending on an up note. This indicates a question and lets the other person know you want more details.

    This classic "reflective listening" technique acknowledges people and shows that you are listening intently which is very flattering.

    3) Deepen the Discussion
    To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

    4) Exit with Grace
    OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to

    Honestly, Are We Really Competing Against Each Other?
    When my current lease expires, if I trade-in my Porsche Cayenne for Cadillac, that’ll signify a win for Cadillac and a loss for Porsche, right?After all, when it comes to earning my business, these manufacturers are playing what’s termed a zero-sum game. If one wins, the other, by definition, loses.Throughout the economy there are examples of these rivalries, of pitched battles for scarce buyers. And most of us have been schooled to think that we’re incessantly competing, w
    attery is sincere. Personalize the comment if you can. Instead of just mentioning the item you admire, add something about the person's good taste. For example, "What a nice shirt. You must know what colors look good on you to have picked this out."

    2) Dialog Extenders
    Next, really listen to what the other person is saying. Sometimes people get caught up worrying about what to say, rather than paying attention to what is being said. Trust me, it's much easier to keep a conversation going if you only have to follow one at a time! When you relax and listen, you can simply pick up where the other person stopped. Here are three ways to do that:

  • Ask a question about what s/he just said
  • Put in your own two cents about the topic, then finish up with another question.
  • Repeat back the last couple of words, with your tone of voice ending on an up note. This indicates a question and lets the other person know you want more details.

    This classic "reflective listening" technique acknowledges people and shows that you are listening intently which is very flattering.

    3) Deepen the Discussion
    To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

    4) Exit with Grace
    OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to

    The Business Leader as Ultramarathoner
    Have you ever heard of an ultramarathon? A standard marathon is just over 26 miles. An ultramarathon is usually on the order of 50 or 100 miles, though there are some that span one thousand! Imagine the endurance required to run such a race.Running a business requires the kind of devotion and stamina that ultramarathoners can only dream about. Like the 100-mile runner, the successful business leader must maintain focus, keeping an eye on the path...on the mileposts that mark
    ollow one at a time! When you relax and listen, you can simply pick up where the other person stopped. Here are three ways to do that:

  • Ask a question about what s/he just said
  • Put in your own two cents about the topic, then finish up with another question.
  • Repeat back the last couple of words, with your tone of voice ending on an up note. This indicates a question and lets the other person know you want more details.

    This classic "reflective listening" technique acknowledges people and shows that you are listening intently which is very flattering.

    3) Deepen the Discussion
    To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

    4) Exit with Grace
    OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to

    Trade Show Exhibitors - Tips For Newbies
    Trade shows are anything but a walk in the park, even for experienced exhibitors but if you've never "experienced" one it can certainly be a daunting task. However, as big as the mountain appears you know that you must include trade shows into your marketing mix.And finally, after months of angst and planning you finally decided to take the plunge and attend your first consumer trade show as an exhibitor - the day of reckoning has arrived. But wait a minute, which show will give y
    listening intently which is very flattering.

    3) Deepen the Discussion
    To deepen a conversation, ask more detailed questions about the topic. Find out why this subject matters so much to the person. Ask how s/he got interested. That's where the passion and energy of a discussion can really emerge. You can also veer off on related topics if that comes to mind easily. You'll be surprised where the conversation can go!

    4) Exit with Grace
    OK, so you struck up a conversation, but now you're ready to meet someone new. How can you exit? No problem. There are so many simple ways to move on and this is just a few to get you thinking. Be creative and come up a couple of your own as well. Begin with a comment of thanks to indicate a transition. Practice these lines ahead of time so it sounds more natural.

  • "Thank you so much for this conversation – it's been really fun! Maybe we'll talk again later."
  • "Thank you for taking the time to share that with me. I'm going to mingle a bit. See you later."
  • "It's been nice talking with you. I see an old friend over there and I'm going to say hello."

    If you got yourself into a conversation, you can get yourself out. Don't be concerned if the other person will feel rejected. Stay upbeat and light-hearted and that's how other people will react to you. Worry about hurting someone's feeling is probably the most likely way to make that a reality. Just assume everyone will be fine and move along when you're ready.

    Now that you're armed and ready for conversation, get out there and get started. Chat it up, practice everyday, and have fun! Conversation is a great way to connect with new contacts, make new friends, and expand your world. Enjoy!

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