Smooth Operator Part 2

Can't seem to start conversations at a party? Try these tips! 1) Plan your opening line - silence is sometimes golden but not always at a party. Have a line like "how do you know the host?" to help you break the ice. Other great openers are things that are localized like talk of sports teams, the weather, etc. Try things like "how about those Astros last night? Did you see that game?" Practice makes perfect so start talking to people you meet in grocery stores or uber drivers. It will help next time you are in a networking situation and need to break the ice. 2) Be comfortable with silence. This is an art. Some times people talk just to not hear silence. Pausing before speaking lets you listen then respond. This type of behavior will actually make people want to talk to you because you make them feel important by listening attentively to what they have to say

Smooth Operator Part 1

Ever been in an awkward conversation and looking for a way to get out? Or you are just uncomfortable with small talk with strangers? We can help you with a few tips/tricks 1) "Boy do I need a refill!" is a tried and true way to break away - but they could follow so be ready. 2) Saying you have to make a phone call is a better way to excuse yourself and avoid any followers. 3) Change the subject - if the path of the conversation is one you are unfamiliar with or just think is inappropriate you can help steer the conversations with probing question. People always like to talk about themselves and can be a quick way to turn a conversation around or get it going. Think of questions like Where were born and raised? Where did you go to school? What company do you work for? Those kinds of questions inevitably will help you find some common ground with folks and keep the conversation flowing.

Master of the Coffee Interview - Part 5

Rule #5 - Preparation for the person on the other side of the Starbucks Table - If you are the busy professional with little time for small talk and have people frequently ask you for coffee interviews, you can probably use a few tips too. Even if you enjoy helping others, these sessions can sometimes feel burdensome or fruitless. Increase their chances for success by being selective and asking for a little advance work. Before committing to coffee, look for a commonality (friend, alma mater, etc)and consider whether or not you have meaningful insights to offer, then pass the ball back with the question of how the asker thinks you can specifically help them. Also ask them to specify the topics they want to explore. Also be prepared for the meeting, request a resume of the asker and ask them to specify their goals. You can often weed through the small talk questions and get right to the heart of the matter with a little preparation. Additionally, you don't always have to do these in person. Often a 15 minute phone call or skype session may be a way to save on your time but still give the asker the information requested. Further, you could designate one day a month for coffee meetings - first Wednesday of each month from 9 am to 11 am and when that slot is full you pass future requests to the next month.

Master of the Coffee Interview - Part 4

Rule 4 - Listen more than you talk. In advance, research your coffee-mate and his or her company. Don't ask anything you can discover online with some research. Remember you are there to glean wisdom, not sell yourself. Pay attention and relax. You should not be nervous; this is infomation gathering and creating a new relationship.

Master of The Coffee Interview - Part 3

Rule 3 - Make it easy for the other person to say yes! - Suggest a location near his or her office and indicate that you will take limited time. Spend no more than 30 minutes if you can. Time is valuable. Present a few specific dates and times for the meeting to give the askee lots of options and not make them be the planner of the time slot.

Master of the Coffee Interview - Part 2

Rules for handling information one-on-one coffee interviews considerately and efficiently! Rule #2 - Mind Your Manners - Just because it's coffee does not mean it's casual. Don't arrive like you just came from the gym. The less well the person knows you, the more professional you should dress. Order something simple so you can focus on the conversation - coffee with cream. No half caf, chocolate-caramel, two splenda, no whip, soy latte. Let the other party who has agreed to sit down with you order whatever they like! Attempt to pay for both drinks, even though the more senior person will often pick up the tab. Send a handwritten thank you right away. Email is nice, but handwritten is even better.

Master of the Coffee Interview - Part 1

Rules for handling informational one-on-one coffee interviews considerately, efficiently, and with panache! Rule 1 - Be specific. When you email someone for a coffee let them know exactly how they can help you. Don't mass email your address book. That is like sending spam mail coupons and hoping someone uses them. Ask them for example to objectively review your resume or information about changing departments in your industry. You may also want to hear about someone' career path or their particular company. Don't ever, ever ask for a job, even though you may be looking for one. Coffee meetings are for sharing information and establishing a connection.