Before your next local networking event, take a minute to brainstorm a few “gifts” to bring to each conversation.
We’re not talking floral gifts (though, hey, that never hurts).
Instead, Tim Sanders, tech guru and New York Times best-selling author, suggests “gifts” as a way for sales professionals to think about “meetings and interactions” as opportunities to engage and make real connections.
His point is simple: Too many people view these conversations solely as transactions (“What can this person do for me? How can I turn this conversation into a sale?”) rather than “opportunities to give to others.”
If you always bring a gift to conversations, you’ll find that value time with you, they want to introduce you to their connections as well,” he said. “After all, you’ve differentiated yourself from the rest of the pack, which often brings needs, complaints or give-and-takism to their conversations.”
Here are two “gifts” Sanders said he brings to every conversation:
Knowledge. “Look for insert points to share tips, useful reads or helpful perspectives,” he said. “If you’ve read a book or an article that can shift your conversational partner’s thinking, highlight the point… I’ve found that if I am patient, listen intently and do a little prep work prior to every interaction, there’s always a knowledge sharing opportunity.” (And you really never know when a good book will inspire a new business idea — check out the reading recommendations of Manny Gonzales at Tiger Lily Florist in Charleston.)
Encouragement. “Validation is one of the most powerful psychological gifts we can give to another person,” Sanders said. As you listen to someone describe his or her work or a current project, “point out the effective or creative things she’s doing.” By being sincere, “you’ll find that your gift of encouragement provides a real shot in the arm, which only fuels the energy level of the entire encounter,” he explained.
