Hello, ,

 

In my coaching sessions this week, the big subject was how to strike up meaningful conversations and build connections that lead to business.  Striking up conversations for some people takes courage.  I know for me that was the case when I first moved to a big city and didn’t know anyone.  I was doing a lot of networking to meet people and felt rather insignificant until I figured out I had to improve the way I shared my story.

 

I did some research and came across a book called “How to connect in business in 90 seconds or less.”  By Nicholas Boothman.  He says, “Making the right impression during the first 3 or 4 seconds of meeting someone, you create an awareness that you are sincere, safe and trustworthy and when you build that trust, the opportunity to go further to make a connection will present itself.”

And, so I began to pay attention to how I introduced myself, and once I got that down, I then learned how to make that conversation go further to build a connection.  Once we connected, then I learned how to weave my business information into the conversation that led to new customers and hostesses.  I called this my powerful story. 

 

It’s that time of the year. Over the next 3 months, you are going to meet more people and have more  conversations that will definitely lead to business if you’re ready!

Here are 3 ways that work for me and I recommend to all my clients.

 

#1   Be the FIRST to strike up the conversation.  Don’t wait.  Start with an open-ended question.   Open-ended questions are a must if you want to get to know someone.  These are questions that invite lengthier responses.  They invite people to open up and share more of who they are, and that’s when you can discover more about that person.

 

• How are you enjoying this event today?
• What brought you to the event today?
• Why are you at this event today?

 

Ask questions that invite people to open up and share more of who they are. This will tell you how to continue the conversation to find a way to insert something about you and your business.

 

#2  Make eye contact.  They say the eyes are the doorway to the soul.  When you look someone in their eyes, you really see someone and they feel the connection. It shows that you are listening.  Eye contact means you are present and in the moment with them giving them your full attention and you are genuinely interested in their answer. 

 

When you’re making eye contact and truly listening, it strengthens the connection and helps you take the conversation further to building the relationship.

• Why you joined
• Why you love your business
• The impact it’s made on your life and your family

When you share these three facts, people become even more interested and usually start asking YOU questions.  And the conversation gets very friendly.

 

I observed people at networking events who would fire hose me with their information.  I noticed people who memorized their 30 second commercial and recited it like a poem.  That’s when I realized it was so important to make my introduction impactful with a statement that drew people to want to learn more.  I wanted people to say,  “OMgosh  I want your business card…  I need to talk with you!”

 

I  know it’s difficult to memorize because you probably get tongue-tied like myself.  So, I got into the habit of saying  a one-liner.  I simply said,  “I own my own home-based Fashion business!“  This got a lot of attention and it started the conversation going back and forth. “Oh really?  do you design your own clothes?”  

 

Then, I’d say, “Actually I show women a wardrobe solution at home fashion shows,”  and that’s how it began.  I would share with them why I loved helping women find the right “look” for them.  They’d ask more questions about fashion and the conversation got friendlier as wove in why I joined, why I loved what I do and we were growing a beautiful friendship!  Most of the time, this led to them having a private fitting appointment or hosting a home fashion show.

 

As you make more and more connections over the next three months, practice these three ways to strike up conversations.   Many of us seem to stay in our comfort zones and limit ourselves to having chats with other people – both strangers we meet for the first time and even those we love.   It’s the person who goes further, who asks more questions, who’s genuinely interested in other people that gets more business.

 

Your assignment this week!  Practice having longer conversations.  Explore more in getting to know people.  Be genuinely interested in what they do.  Use these tips on social media.  Get to learn more about your guests at Facebook parties with instant messages.  Recently, I had a conversation with a coaching client who sends out sample kits to all her Facebook party guests.  (Great idea, right?)  However, she’s not following up with conversation.  She’s missing out on finding her next hostess or next recruit.

 

Now, get ready to learn how to post daily stories in your Team Facebook Group from my Monday Minute Team Building tip this week.

 

This week a NEW CLIENT opened her eyes open very wide with a big smile came on her face when I shared how we will plan her business EVERY WEEK!  She is ready for coaching, and I am ready to help her with my system to be organized and get things done!

It's all part of my coaching systems  that I've worked on myself growing a million-dollar team.  Are YOU ready to feel in control and grow your business to the next level of your comp. plan? Book your 30 minute complimentary coaching session today!

 

Last week’s reply to my ezine was so endearing.  Hit reply today if you have a question or found these tips valuable for your business.  (I love to hear from you!)

 

Love & Success, 

 

 

 

 

Gale Bates,  Your “Make the Leap” Mentor

 

PS.  I offer FREE training in my Facebook group twice a month.  This month I shared a strategy to increase your sales at your parties.  It’s a beautiful community, come join us here.