Sales Tips >> Browse Articles >> Networking

Sales Tips >> Browse Articles >> Communication

+20

Small Talk=Success: 10 Tips

Debra Fine

Shutterstock_17941873_max200w

Stanford University School of Business conducted a study that monitored a group of MBAs 10 years after graduation. What did they learn? That their ability to converse had a huge impact on their success and grade point averages had no bearing whatsoever. These are not traditional public speaking skills, but the way you interact with people less formally.

The ability to connect with others through small talk can lead to big things, according to Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk (Hyperion 2005).

A former engineer, Fine recalls being so ill at ease at networking events and even the 10 minute coffee break during a meeting that she would hide in the restroom. Now a motivational speaker, Fine believes the ability to develop relationships with people through small talk is an acquired skill.

Fine offers these 10 tips for starting − and ending – casual conversations.

1. The Rule of Three

2. The Power of “Hello”

3. The Name Game

4. A Common Thread

5. The Active Eye

6. The Active Ear

7. What’s News?

8. Body Language

9. Drill Down

10. Exit Strategy


+20
  • Metot_finale_max50

    metot

    about 1 month ago

    222 comments

    I learn:)

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    pmzere

    about 1 month ago

    2 comments

    very interesting
    it can also adapt the S.M.A.R.T you know ?

  • Pix_may_2007_max50

    sueturcotte

    about 1 month ago

    4 comments

    Outstanding article . . . and thank you for the exit strategies! One technique I learned quite a while ago, which is especially helpful on those occasions when socializing is a struggle . . . F.O.R.M. Family, Occupation, Recreation, Money ('Money' can also be generalized to discussions about the economy . . . there is certainly a lot of grist for that mill!) Simply asking people what they do for fun & relaxation opens the door for some genuinely enjoyable and memorable conversations.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    ngrojas

    about 1 month ago

    12 comments

    As an closet introvert, small talk has always been a challenge and these tips will be helpful to me, and to my son who inherited my personality.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    BGibbs

    6 months ago

    8 comments

    I loved this article forward it to all my buddies keep putting them out there

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    ianconversation

    7 months ago

    2 comments

    Very clever. Terry Hemeyer gave us this in his PR class tonight. Thanks Debra.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    BEST_is_yet_to_come

    about 1 year ago

    2 comments

    Very good, great advice for new or more accomplished sales or marketing personnel.

  • 265543491_img_max50

    fahim

    about 1 year ago

    4 comments

    Short but nice and absorbable.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    jlynnrose

    about 1 year ago

    2 comments

    Excellent suggestions.

  • Atcaaaahjahxh1vmprsmm3qtlesb928yhqygrrl8uyduplxv94cfth8uccvjtngt5g-2yzckjrhpfie_a9dlsqyezsooajtu9vb3o_jsr0st9st-g0cx8j85b_cz9a_max50

    malay_anand

    about 1 year ago

    4 comments

    great tips

  • Shilesh_max50

    shileshonline

    about 1 year ago

    12 comments

    just exellent tips ........superb......

  • Humpback_whale_max50

    dml9351

    about 1 year ago

    12 comments

    This is excellent and very on the the mark

  • Picture_025_max50

    johnnykalani

    about 1 year ago

    2 comments

    A great list to remember. Most if not all friendships, business contacts, etc start with small talk from my experience. and first impressions are everything.

  • Rich089_max50

    rich34232

    about 1 year ago

    888 comments

    I for one believe strongly in small talk.Take as much time as needed for the small talk,always allow the client to become comfortable in the situation they are in and have to be involved with , in order to have a solution provided by me for them.
    Exit strategy should always include the ablity to thank the client along with complementing them on the great a decision they made for the ownership exchange..

  • Peacenig_max50

    SellYaUnderDaTable

    about 1 year ago

    26 comments

    Having exit line strategies is a great idea. I am always thankful when I have a few up my sleeve instead of being stuck in an awkward convo.

What's the Scoop?

Post a link to something interesting from another site, or submit your own original writing for the SalesHQ community to read.

Report News Here

Recent Activity

Dscf0044_max30
SalesJunkie777 joined the group "Referrals via Word of Mouth", about 3 hours ago.
Dscf0044_max30
SalesJunkie777 joined the group "Creativity in Sales", about 3 hours ago.
Dscf0044_max30
SalesJunkie777 joined the group "B2B Leads", about 3 hours ago.
Photo0002_max30
laurie16 posted in: "Does Price Matter?", about 6 hours ago.
Cody_standing_max30
obrudder posted in: "Does Price Matter?", about 7 hours ago.
Photo_user_blank_big
PatTassin joined the group "Buy Me", about 8 hours ago.
Rich089_max30
rich34232 posted in: "Does Price Matter?", about 9 hours ago.
Leyl_master_max30
mktgalchemist gave a thumbs up to The Article "5 Important Tips for Successful Web Meetings", about 9 hours ago.
Leyl_master_max30
mktgalchemist submitted the article: "5 Important Tips for Successful Web Meetings", about 9 hours ago.
Dscn0312_max30
jamesv received the quiz result of "You could definitely cut it as an entrepreneur ", about 11 hours ago.