It just dawned on me that I am a wallflower. When I go to a new place where I don't know anyone such as a networking group, a party, a grand opening, a graduation event ~ I tend to stay by myself with my arms folded and keep to myself. I attended my nephew's high school graduation. After the hugs, kisses, presenting of the lei and wishes of congratulations - we just hung around for about a hour to wait until everyone was ready to leave for our family dinner. During that hour I should have wandered around and talked to the other families and friends who had gathered for the wonderful occasion. But instead, I stayed with my hubby and son with my arms folded and am sure that I didn't look very approachable.
My hubby on the other hand is a wonderful conversation starter. He loves going into stores and striking up conversations with the sales clerks or chatting with our neighbors. I on the other hand tend to just look around the store without even talking to a salesperson and I tend to stay in the house and not engage with the neighbors. This is not a very good sign being that I'm an Independent Consultant and maker of my own destiny.
I talked to a few friends about my "problem" and they came up with wonderful solutions that I wanted to share.
1. Smile and say "Hi". Its the easiest conversation starter of all. Then ask - "How do you know Jason?" Something as simple as that can get the conversation going. Thanks Trish for this one.
2. If someone else looks bored and lost - approach them. They are just as scared as you are. Say something like - "Is this the first time here with this group? Its my first time too, I'm Dawn with Scentsy. And you are?"
3. If you are at a networking event and the person that you really want to talk to is in a "rock pile" (you know that cluster of people who are engaged in conversation - hard to break through) - simply tap them on the shoulder as you are passing by and say "I've been meaning to talk to you - come and find me later" and then continue to walk. They will come and find you. Trisha gave me this advice. Gonna try it!
4. Make it a point to make 3 friends at each event.
I love to help others by referring a customer to them, connecting them with other business owners, helping them with my products or services, or having them come to our Success Builders Hawaii group meetings for business support and ideas. So I love to learn about what others do and finding out how I can help them. What is the worst thing that can happen by striking up a conversation? They can give you the cold shoulder....no big deal. Or - they can become a great friend and mentor to you. I have met wonderful people through networking who are great friends and people that I call upon when I need advice or a pep talk when I am down. Here's to having fun making new and lasting friendships.
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