This article was originally published on December 26th, 2008. After writing Networking in the 21st Century, I find it even more relevant! In working with clients on developing their communication skills, I’ve found that there are a lot of people who are nervous about their ability to hold a good conversation. Many are scared enough to actually avoid talking to others in social situations. They may feel comfortable talking with good friends, but chatting with new acquaintances or starting new conversations is way out of their league. Debra Fine’s The Fine Art of Small Talk is a fantastic guide through the process of engaging others in … [Read more...]
My Trick to Successful First Dates (It Works on Networking “First Dates” Too!)
Updated October 2018 I wrote this article about how to do well on first dates (because I was going on a lot of first dates and I was struck by how awkward they can be). I realized that the tool works just as well when you grab a cup of coffee or lunch with a new networking partner...which is basically another form of first date. So whether you are looking for a referral partner or a spouse, I hope this will help! Most of us dread first dates. It's a weird combination of job interview, etiquette test, and fashion show that we submit to in the hopes that a) we like the other person and b) the other person likes us. And the most "useful" … [Read more...]