Conversations so people never forget you...... #57
- Adrian Dionisio - business737 owner
- Mar 4, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 14, 2024
Business is all about networking and building relationships. As a business owner, you have many conversations with lots of different people. You talk to staff, suppliers, customers, associates, investors, other businesses. As you know the list is endless.
Conversations are necessary to effectively run your business. Some of these conversations are more important than others. Some are more intimate than others. Regardless, good conversations can develop strong relationships that are beneficial for all parties concerned.
Spark good conversations & people will never forget you
Many of us find it difficult to find things to talk about with others. Many times it would be easier to get straight to the point. However that's not the way things go.
Conversations are the way people try to find out and assess one another. They are very important.
So what if you are not naturally a great talker? What if you dread an awkward silence? Not to worry.
The 4 keys to brilliant conversation
People love to talk about themselves. It's a subject in which they're an expert. Also, they almost always find it interesting!
When people are able to express themselves they feel heard and appreciated. Great conversation will help build;
rapport
relationships
long lasting friendships
You can encourage people to talk about themselves by initiating conversation around 4 key areas.
Family
Occupation
Recreation
Dreams
Family
Everyone has a family of some sort. Whether good or bad, you can be almost certain it is a subject that most people can talk about.
It is not appropriate to ask direct and upfront questions about someone's family. Instead branch conversations in a way that the topic naturally arises. Make a smooth transition. Direct a conversation by first talking about your family, siblings, parents.
When people share family related details with others they feel significantly closer to them. It builds trust and confidence which set the foundations for long lasting and fruitful relationships.
Occupation
Ask people about their occupation. This is good ice breaking surface level conversation because most of our lives are spent at our occupation. This is a topic where there are always things to talk about.
Don't dwell on the surface level for too long. You can dig deeper. Don't ask question after question like an interview or interrogation! Add your opinion, find common ground. People generally talk more about their occupation than anything else.
Recreation
People love their interests / hobbies. Of course they do - why else do they do it! This is why asking questions about their passion will really allow them to open up. You can ask surface level questions but add comments in between.
Why is this activity so exciting for them? How long have they being doing it? How did they get into it? Make people feel like they are being listened to and they will really warm to you. Research shows that talking about yourself is as enjoyable as eating a delicious meal - and talking about their favourite things will get people on your side.
Dreams
Everyone has a dream. Everyone has hopes and aspirations. Many people are actively pursuing them. Others wish they could pursue them.
In reality very few people are pursuing their passions. Often it is because they don't have support and opportunity.
Getting people to talk about their dreams is difficult but it is very powerful.
You can infer their dream by making an educated guess with respect to their hobbies and recreational activities.
Get people to talk about their dreams by talking about the bigger picture, the meaning and purpose of life. This will set the foundation for healthy long term relationships.
These 4 subjects areas are very powerful.
Use them to lead and drive your conversations. Everyone will talk about things in these 4 groups. Keep them in mind and use it to your advantage.
They are universal subjects that you can use to spark memorable conversation with anyone and everyone.
Encouraging people to speak about themselves, with respect of these 4 areas, will make them feel more comfortable and appreciative of you.
Even though they have been talking about themselves, they will have a feeling of intimacy. They will trust with you. They will remember you.
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