Knowing what to say is a big part of being successful at a networking event. Opening lines are important conversation starters. But that’s just one way to start an interesting conversation with a stranger. Here’s everything that you need to know that leads to a business connection.

Why Conversation Starters are so Important

An effective conversation starter establishes common ground with that other person. This is small talk that can lead to more B2B networking for you. If done right, a conversation can generate genuine interest in what you’ve got to sell.

The right conversation starters are sales techniques.

Tips for Starting a Conversation at Networking Events

But you need to know how to start a conversation at one of these events. Following are 7 things that will lead to a good first impression.

The Right Body Language Leads to a Conversation

Non verbal cues foster an engaging conversation. Research suggests stance is essential. Don't slouch. You’ll look tentative. Body language compliments your conversation.

Proximity is important for good conversations. You need to be close enough to talk but not crowd.

Finding Common Ground

Getting over that first awkward silence is easier with some small talk. Talk shop with the other person to get started in your conversation.

Maintain Eye Contact For Great Conversations

An important part of any engaging conversation. If you maintain eye contact, it shows genuine interest. An important physical conversation starter.

Asking Follow Up Questions

Establish meaningful connections with great conversation starters. Then a further conversation includes follow up questions. Ask the other person about their experience and background.

An excellent conversation begins with mutual interest in each other.

Steering Clear of Conversations on Conversational Topics

Avoid a bad conversation starter. Like these topics that foster social anxiety.

• current events.
• politics
• complaints about work

Generally don’t talk about things you don’t like. Not a good way to jump into a conversation. Don’t jump in with deep topics right away. Leave those peer reviewed studies alone at first.

Ways to Start a Conversation at Face to Face Networking Events

It makes sense to focus on the best conversation starters instead. Following are 8 ways to start a great conversation when you’re face to face.

1. Introduce Yourself

This is a great conversation opener. The easiest way to get another person talking is to have a quick description ready. This is the beginning of a normal conversation.

Hi, I’m so and so. I’m from Chicago and my company is ACNE widgets.

2. Go For A Walk

Deep conversations start when people walk together. Especially on the way to the next panel or discussion. This is a great way to get to know the other person.

I’m on my way to the noon panel. Care to join me?

Comment on the decor on the way. It’s another way to start a conversation.

3. Mention A Favorite Food

You’ll have one thing in common with every other party at an event. The food. It can make for excellent conversation.

Have you tried these sandwiches? They’re delicious.

Start a conversation on your other favorites.

4. Share a Light Headline

A few tips for using this one. News about a sports team can work. Great conversation starters leave politics out.

Did you read about that game last night?

A positive current event is another great conversation starter.

5. Compliment the Other Person.

These are great conversation openers. A sincere compliment works when it’s specific.

That coat looks really great on you.

6. Mention a Detail

A positive remark and/or positive comment about the event works. A new conversational partner might be a stranger. Except for the fact you belong to an entire group. Here’s how to get a conversation going.

That last speaker made some good points. What do you think?

7. Keep Your Right Hand Free

Any conversation needs to include a handshake. Keep your right hand free when landing a new conversation partner.

Hello. It’s nice to meet you

Most people will admit they paid attention to someone starting conversations this way.

8. Begin With the Weather

Pay attention to what’s going on outside. Real life situations like the weather are a great way to get a conversation started.

This rain is really something, isn’t it?

You can even reference a previous conversation.

I was just talking with someone about how cold it is.

How to Start a Conversation at Online Networking Events

A conversation flow naturally happens when two people are face to face with some help. But more and more people need good conversation starters as well as small talk and business networking tips for internet meetings. Here’s eight ways to start a conversation at an online event. These are digital small talk tips to engage a conversation partner.

9. Do Some Research

A little research will help you start a conversation. Get a list of attendees to the virtual event before hand. Below is one of the best conversation starters.

“Hello—. I read your profile before the event and wondered if we could have a conversation. You did a great job on your recent project."

Flattery leads to a conversation.

10. Make Sure To Engage

Online events have discussions and even quizzes. Start a conversation by asking open ended questions like:

“What do others think of that last speaker? I’m interested to know.”

Starting a conversation can focus on what attendees do in their free time too. Remember, don't get them talking about controversial topics. Get the other person to talk about their hobbies.

What is everyone’s favorite TV show?

11. Ask A Day to Day Life Question

There’s room for talking and conversation with a person before a meeting starts. Ask a question to get a conversation started around personal information.

What family members do you respect the most?

A person’s family is a good conversation starter that works. Most people like to talk about the person closest to them.

12. Ask About Social Events

A decent conversation can start around a favorite movie. Or get attendees talking about music.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been too?

The arts are excellent conversation starters. Especially if a person has a business that focuses in that area.

13. Ask Them To Describe Their Mood.

Digging into their expert knowledge comes later in the event. Asking new friends about their mood breaks the ice. A conversation starter works with them talking about their social life. Or sharing their own writing about how they feel on a Zoom whiteboard. Not really a conversation but an effective ice breaker.

“Who is in a good mood today? Take a deep breath and describe it.”

This conversation works wonders. It gets the other person to talk about themselves.

14. Register on the Community Board

Find a new conversational partner to talk with before the event starts. A community board can lead to a personal text conversation. People also love “talking” through messaging on the boards too.

“I’m looking for some more tips on how to get the most from this event. Contact me at ….”

15. Post on Your Website Pre Event

Put a notice up that you’ve registered for the event and are looking for a conversation partner. Look for someone to talk to on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook too.

16. Take Advantage of Real Time Messaging

Use real time messaging as topics are presented to get more details from another person. This way of starting a conversation builds trust. You show the other person you value their opinions. Mutual respect is a great conversation starter.

Use these Conversation Starters to Have a Great Networking Event

Now you have an overview on how to start a conversation. Talking with another person at an online or brick and mortar event can make a difference. Maybe you’re looking for a new job. Or have a person talk about their needs so you can make a sale.

Either way a conversation helps to further your goals. The more people at events talk, the more the conversations benefit your business. And if you have a hard time doing so, look into ways to help you, such as networking for introverts.




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Source: https://smallbiztrends.com/
Image Credit: Depositphotos

As a new entrepreneur, getting your product out into the market is hard enough, but when there is a lot of competition in your market, it can make things even tougher. When trying to differentiate their products in a situation like this, entrepreneurs are bound to make mistakes along the way.
​
Many members of Young Entrepreneur Council have gone through this themselves and have learned some valuable lessons from the experience. Below, eight of them explained the most common mistakes entrepreneurs tend to make when trying to differentiate their products in an over saturated market and offered advice for how to remedy this situation. 

1. Forgetting About Post-Sale Services

Many marketers focus only on selling their products, but when it comes to offering post-sale services, they fail to meet their customers’ expectations. This upsets your customers, promotes a bad reputation for your brand and drives your users away. If you don't want that to happen, stop making this mistake. Make high-quality customer service your top priority and train your support team to treat your customers with respect, compassion and patience. This will help you stand apart from your competitors in a much stronger way and drive more conversions too. - Josh Kohlbach, Wholesale Suite

 2. Overcomplicating Your Product 

The biggest failure when differentiating your product is in over complicating it. Customers want to feel confident in the solution while also being able to understand it. The more complex something is, the harder it is for consumers to process the information in order to make a positive purchasing decision since their lack of understanding may be a reason that drives doubt or delay. While it might seem appropriate to use scientific jargon or technical wording when explaining your products and services, it makes the most sense to speak to your audience's needs and use the terms they are most familiar with. In instances where unique vocabulary is required, add videos and graphics to help better communicate those points. - Firas Kittaneh, Amerisleep Mattress
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3. Not Conducting Market Research

Many entrepreneurs go to extremes to help their product stand out, which is not generally a bad idea. The problem is when the extreme angle they take for their products isn’t well thought out or researched for compatibility with the target market. If you are going to push the envelope in terms of naming, copy, imagery or anything customer-facing, you want to do so in a way your prospective customers will enjoy and appreciate; otherwise, you risk simply offending or pushing them away. Do market research and focus groups before choosing your method of standing out in a market. - Salvador Ordorica, The Spanish Group LLC

4. Failing To Choose A Niche

Many entrepreneurs want to help everyone, and this waters down their messaging. Entrepreneurs who market well are clear, specific and differentiated. Those who are convinced they can save the world instead of focusing on one segment of the market struggle with branding. Entrepreneurs who learn how to differentiate via choosing a clear niche market have an easier time creating content and attracting a specific segment of the market. - Libby Rothschild, Dietitian Boss

5. Not Actively Building A Reputation

The problem that many young business leaders run into is they don't actively build their reputation as they are building a product. If you want to secure sales, build trust and see engagement on your site, you need to prove that you're an expert in your industry. There are quite a few ways you can accomplish this task. I recommend publishing detailed blog posts that include plenty of relevant statistics from trusted sources. I also suggest breaking into the social sphere and engaging with established experts before, during and after your product launch to continue building your reputation. - John Brackett, Smash Balloon LLC

6. Not Explaining Why You're Unique

Many entrepreneurs make the mistake of stating that they are unique without explaining how. You can make yourself distinct by creating a series of blog posts that compare your offerings to your competitors’ and making sure that you create meaningful and fair comparisons. As you build content and bring more people to your website, you'll stand out by offering useful blog posts. - Syed Balkhi, WPBeginner

7. Relying Too Much On Branding

One common mistake is relying too much on branding tactics such as a logo, catchphrase or brand mascot without having a solid product that really sets you apart. High-profile brands can get away with this because everyone already knows who they are. When you're smaller and newer, however, clever marketing gimmicks don't really work unless you can back it with solid products or services. You should aim to have a quality and eye-catching logo and graphics. The point is that these alone won't differentiate you in a competitive market. You need to identify what you actually offer that's different from the competition and get that across to your market. - Kalin Kassabov, ProTexting

8. Not Going The Extra Mile

When setting your products and services apart from the competition, it's important to consider how you can go the extra mile where other companies don't. How can you be there for your customers more than other businesses are? What do they overlook that you can pay more attention to? Providing for your customers in ways that other businesses don't will easily set your business apart in a positive way. Figure out how you can make them feel heard and apply their feedback to improve your strategy. - Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms




Source: forbes.com
Image Credit: Photo by fauxels from Pexels

Before going big, check out the recommendations, lessons learned and innovative concepts.

Ask a dozen successful entrepreneurs how they built their businesses. No doubt you’ll end up with a dozen different responses, and some may conflict with each other. But guess what? Having too many answers is better than having one — or none.

Truly, when it comes to stretching your brand’s reach, you want as many options as you can get. That way, you’re able to pick and choose those that seem like good bets. Don’t be afraid to gather insider secrets from outside of your industry, either. Seeing growth from others’ perspectives can spur the innovation you need to scale.

Where should you start? Try adding the following books to your reading list. Each one offers novel business expansion
insights that may help power up your growth plans.

1. Dr. Dennis O’Neil and Greg Hiebert — Changing Altitude

In Changing Altitude, bestselling authors Dr. Dennis O’Neil and Greg Hiebert break down what it means to be a real leader. Even if you’ve led other organizations, you’ll appreciate this refresher on how to find and claim your true north. As you explore this leadership playbook, you’ll be introduced to seven critical characteristics of exemplary leaders. Use them to guide your moves and improve your confidence as the head of a growing company.

2. Darshan Mehta — Getting to Aha! 

You can’t get bigger without customers. Yet it’s easy to get confused when you’re trying to decipher customer data. That’s where Darshan Mehta’s Getting to Aha! can help.

Designed as an instructional guide, Mehta’s work helps you focus on the insights that matter. You’ll learn the three ingredients of insight (hint: empathy is the first.) You’ll also discover how the world’s most well-known brands got that way by analyzing and leveraging key customer and consumer information.

3. Emmet Scott — DSO Secrets

No matter how hard your industry, you probably don’t have the customer resistance faced by dentists. So many people avoid taking care of their mouth and teeth. How, then, do some dental practitioners build world-class empires? Maybe they’ve worked with author and dental group expert Emmet Scott.

DSO Secrets shares the special sauce that has led many other dental practices to become more profitable than ever before, while still delivering stellar customer experience. You don’t have to have a dentistry degree to benefit from Scott’s bold, proven recommendations for scaling your business the strategic way.

4. Louis Llanes — Financial Freedom Blueprint

Are you growing your business in the hopes of selling it someday and perhaps retiring early? You’ll want to have a copy of the Financial Freedom Blueprint on your shelf. Written for people who are interested in stewarding and bolstering their personal wealth, this book will take the edge off your money worries.

Learn the practices and tips that Louis Llanes has used to help other entrepreneurs gain fiscal independence. Remember that the less you have to worry about your nest egg the more comfortable you’ll be investing mental energy into your business.

5. Natalie Dawson — TeamWork

Without a high-performance team, you can’t reach your company’s true potential. Good thing Natalie Dawson has written TeamWork. Each chapter will reveal how to guide a team that’s aligned with corporate goals and prepared for the climb to the top.

If you’re not 100% sure that every member of your team is a contributor, TeamWork is a must-read. Not only will you understand how to spot winners during job interviews but you’ll know the steps needed to keep your teams charged.

6. Mike Malatesta — Owner Shift

Does it sometimes seem like the world is conspiring against your business? Mike Malatesta offers tough love — delivered with sincerity and compassion — in Owner Shift. It’s the journey of all the mistakes he made on the road to the top. And he’s the first to admit he made a lot.

This book is especially practical for founders tired of learning lessons the hard way. Rather than reinventing every wheel, lean on Malatesta to be your business growth sherpa. 

7. Jason Williford and Jay Abraham — The Ultimate Real Estate Machine

Ah, real estate. It’s complex. It’s competitive. Nevertheless, it’s a field that entices thousands of people to become agents every year. Those that rely upon Jay Abraham and Jason Williford’s The Ultimate Real Estate Machine may do better than those who don’t.

What can you glean from The Ultimate Real Estate Machine even though you’re not in the real estate market? Prepare to be surprised. The marketing missteps alone are relevant across all sectors. And why wouldn’t you want to find out about some innovative selling techniques to pass along to your salespeople?

8. Evan Ryan — AI as Your Teammate

Once thought of as only for enterprises, AI has become a powerful ally for smaller companies, too. The trick is understanding how to see AI as Your Teammate, not your foe.

Author Evan Ryan explains the many ways you can incorporate more AI into your everyday operations. If you assumed that you had to bring on more people to achieve your scaling objectives, get ready to rethink the assumption. Properly applied, AI tools could reduce your payroll costs without putting more work on everyone’s plate.

9. Yusuf Moolla and Conor McGarrity — The Data-Confident Internal Auditor

Internal auditors have tough jobs. Year-round, they assess business risks by sifting through mounds of information. The Data-Confident Internal Auditor lays out multiple ways they can get more comfortable understanding and utilizing data, to level up their audits.

What can authors Yusuf Moolla and Conor McGarrity teach you? Chances are strong that you may be auditing your company solo or with the help of another executive or co-founder. Being well-acquainted with internal auditing best practices will only improve the way you protect your brand as it, and your data sources, expand.

10. Randall Powers and Dr. Donte Vaughn, DM — From CULTURE to CULTURE

It’s downright impossible to sustain any long-term growth if your corporate culture isn’t a well-oiled machine. How do you move From CULTURE to CULTURE? Just make yourself a pupil of Randall Powers and Dr. Donte Vaughn, DM.

Powers and Vaughn will show you how to transform your culture into a measurable, positive force. Remember: Employee engagement can be the key to whether or not your brand catches fire. Be sure your team is poised for greatness.

​Scaling looks different for every business, it’s true. Regardless, reading about others’ successful ventures can only be a boon to your corporate growth plans.



Source: https://www.entrepreneur.com/
Image Credit: ​Lioncrest Publishing & DEO Dental Media Publishing

Every business that's been created was built by the entrepreneur taking some sort of risk. Some risks are obvious, such as taking out a large loan from a family member. Others are more subtle and harder to recognize as they're happening.

As an entrepreneur, you may be taking risks right now that you don't even realize. To help you recognize and prepare for those risks, eight members of Young Entrepreneur Council described some of the risks they unknowingly took when they first started their business journeys and how their experiences have shaped where they are today.

1. Partnering With A Friend

With my IT startup, the first lesson I learned was the amount of risk involved in launching a business with a partner who was a close friend and who was at a different point in life. As friends, we got along very well, but as business partners, we completely disagreed on the philosophies of running a business and the risk tolerance of investing our startup funds. Fortunately, we both understood the differences in our administration styles and mutually agreed to allow me to be the sole partner and decision-maker in the business. I am a firm believer that if a partner is involved in starting a business, someone should be the majority leader in case a situation arises where there is a disagreement. This will avoid stalemates and the business can move forward. Mistakes are infinitely valuable. - Michael Garrido, E-Valve Technologies

2. Relying On Others

One key risk I was not aware of was just how much I would need to rely on other people for make-or-break success! With my first business (an in-person skincare clinic), I was completely in charge of everything and that's why it went so well. My second business, CLEARSTEM Skincare, is e-commerce, which means it's a tech company that requires developers, SEO people, PR people, user experience experts, e-mail wizards, advertising people who know how to segment cohorts, multiple logistics partners and 10 other roles that are all extremely important to the business's success. A founder of any e-commerce brand needs to be aware that they will need a designated team of experts in their roles to make this thing work. The "lone wolf" types need to prepare for a major shift! - Danielle Gronich, CLEARSTEM Skincare

3. Succeeding Too Quickly

The risk that you should be aware of is that your business could be successful—maybe even more successful than you envisioned—and it could happen a lot faster than you think. New entrepreneurs don’t always think about the fact that they could succeed. They are living within the day-to-day fear of just hoping to pay their bills. But the risk (uncertainty) that success will soon replace failure as your main challenge can really throw you for a loop when you haven't prepared mentally for it. "Proceed as if success is inevitable" is the best way to counterbalance this risk. - Daniel Lucas, Credo CFOs and CPAs / CVG Advisors

4. Having Less Time For Self-Care

When I started Blue Corona, I was 31 years old. Around the same time, my wife had given birth to our first child. Between the baby and the business, sleepless nights were the norm. I frequently arrived at the office before sunrise and didn't leave until long after dark. My time devoted to exercise dropped to zero. My diet went to hell in a handbasket. While I felt bulletproof at the time, it wasn't until many years later that I started to better appreciate the health risks I took. If I had to do it all over again, I would have made exercise and healthy eating nonnegotiable; after all, you can't enjoy your wealth if you don't have your health! - Ben Landers, Blue Corona

5. Managing Your Own Health Insurance

As a corporate employee, I never had to worry about how much health insurance could impact cash flow. Paying for insurance as a small business owner is expensive and can be especially challenging if you or someone in your family has ongoing health conditions. Navigating insurance plans, finding doctors and keeping up with the premiums are all things you want to consider and plan for when you're going out on your own so you're not caught by surprise. In my case, we have to set aside $30K per year as a family of three to cover health insurance. - Amber Anderson, Tote and Pears

6. Hiring The Wrong Team

A company’s DNA is set by the founders, and you need to choose the people whom you work with carefully. Work with people you love, respect and can’t live without. It is not the work we remember with fondness, but the camaraderie, the group that came together to get things done. Hiring the wrong people can cost you time and waste money that you can't afford to waste. Choose your startup team wisely and invest in people whom you would build multiple startups with, not just those you would work with to achieve your immediate goals. - Ryan Stoner, Dendro

7. Going At It Alone

I took the risk of not having enough advisors around me. I thought I would figure out most of it over time. I did this to avoid the cost of hiring advisors, but later on, I realized it was a mistake. I ended up paying more in terms of wrong decisions and time lost. We entrepreneurs all have the attitude of go-getters, but you shouldn’t take the risk of figuring out everything yourself. It is better to bring in external advisors at a price and learn from the advice. You may still fail with paid advisors, but that also would be a good data set for you. - Piyush Jain, Simpalm

8. Letting The Business Take Over

Letting your business devour your life is a big risk and a common pitfall for entrepreneurs and owners. I find that all entrepreneurs struggle to find distance, perspective and objectivity when they're plunged into the battle of their business. I made a very conscious decision to delegate, learn to trust my people and step back from my business to grow in my personal life when I was younger. I still carry the valuable lessons that time of life taught me. - Tyler Bray, TK Trailer Parts



​Source:  https://www.forbes.com/