How to Create Small Talk

I am not one to be shy when speaking to others, but I have encountered plenty of people who are not comfortable with the concept. A "BIG" part of business is networking, and with so many networking events, the shy need to break out of their shell. Here are some tips from Lady Bizness to aid everyone into finding out about others.

#1 Ask open-ended questions.
If you ask a person yes and no questions, you should expect to get yes and no answers. That can inhibit the conversation and make an already uncomfortable person stay in their shell. So, we recommend asking questions that will help a person to engage. For example: Instead of asking do you have any children? Ask how do you feel about children? This is a question that forces a person to reflect on the answer and give feedback. Therefore you can get that information and ask additional questions based on their answers.

#2 Ask WHY?
As grownups we tend to shy away from asking people why? But, children always ask why. Take it back to your roots and let a person defend their logic or reasoning. This allows you to see their point of view, agree, disagree, challenge, and give examples. Asking why also creates a conversation instead of a stalemate.

#3 Speak first
Going to the networking event is the first step, but what good is it if you sit in a corner. Just go up to people and say "Hi, My Name is...". People are already there to meet others, so they expect you to talk to them. And as a matter of fact they appreciate it when you talk to them, so be like Nike and Just Do it!

#4 Check your body language
Arms folded, head bowed low, and texting do not say come hither. Be engaged at events and look like you want to meet others. Simply smiling and moving around a room are great ways to appear available. Have your business cards in hand to give to others and that is a way to lead into conversations. Arms being folded tend to show a guarded and un-open feeling to people. Having your head bowed, typically gives people the feeling that you don't want them to talk to you. Texting may give the appearance of being interested in other things which are not in your immediate surroundings. So give it your best shot to look interested because if you're not, then why did you come?

#5 Ask General Questions
Where are you from?
What do you do?
Where did you go to school at?
Do you like to travel?
What events do you have coming up?
Do you know of anyone who may need (xyz) services/products?
When can you meet to discuss (xyz) further?
These types of questions can lead to great discussions and make you a new friend, associate, or business partner.

We at Lady Bizness pride ourselves on creating relationships, so please come to any of our events if you want to meet others who are willing to openly converse.

Lady Bizness, Inc. and The Inspirer, LLC are sponsoring an event called "The Meet Market". Thursday, July 8, August 12, & Sept. 9 From 8 pm – 10 pm at The Green Bean
341 South Elm St, Greensboro, NC. The goal of the Meet Market is to bring our schedules together so that we can attempt to plan our events more efficiently.

This is a perfect time for you to hone your communication skills.

You can register for this FREE event at MeetMarket.Eventbrite.com