Roger Osorio, an executive coach, motivational speaker, and City Program Leader at IBM, had three challenges for attendees at the 2017 Propelify Innovation Festival. And now, he wants you to take on the same challenges to become a better entrepreneur and get you out of your comfort zone in the new year.
Challenge # 1: Introduce yourself. No, like, the real you.
We’re all used to the classic introductory conversation starter: “So, what do you do?” Next time you’re asked this ol’ networking standby, instead of mumbling your name and day job like usual, try introducing yourself – along with your true passion. “When I started introducing myself as a coach, I was more passionate, more engaging, and people could feel that and responded to it,” Osorio said about the early days of his coaching business.
Don’t know how to share your passion in getting to know you chit-chat? Try one of these three openers:
- “Hi! My name is Noreen and I’m working on….”
- “Howdy! My name is Dipanjan and I can’t stop thinking about…”
- “Hello! My name is Gideon, and I am cranking away on my passion project…”
Talking about your passions will naturally make you more passionate – and encourage others to do the same. Be real in conversation, and you’ll forge real connections, quickly.
Challenge # 2: Start a meaningful, authentic conversation.
Creating a real connection with someone begins with initiating a real conversation. Communication about meaningful topics is the way to forge new relationships, in business and personal life. A good conversation creates intimacy, highlights shared experiences or feelings, and gets real. If you want to make a real connection, try asking someone what inspires them, motivates them, or what their vision for the future looks like. Cut through the fluff of small talk, and you’ll make find friends, mentors, and partners faster than ever before.
Challenge # 3: Follow up.
So, you’ve taken the scary leap of introducing yourself as the real you and engaged in a real-deal conversation with someone. The next step? Contact that person (you got their card, right?) within the next 2-3 weeks and have a follow-up phone conversation or meet up for coffee. Maintain the connection you’ve courageously worked to build, and offer your value, service, or fellow connections up to your new contact. People like people who help them, and offering to be of service, however you can, will build a stronger connection between you and your new contact. Introductions are the first step yes, but make that networking count, by continuing the relationship in the future.
Watch highlights from Roger’s talk at the 2017 Propelify Innovation Festival:
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