Etiquette Tip of the Week
The Etiquette Tip of the Week is a little late this week, as I am just returning from a trip to Japan. On the way home, on an airplane between Baltimore and Chicago, I sat next to a gentleman in commercial real estate. I asked him what he looked for in job candidates right out of college.
"The main thing I want to know," he said, "is can they carry on a conversation?" This is important he explained, because they have to be able to communicate with clients.
He said he looks for eye contact, whether they researched the company, if they show an interest in the company by asking him questions and if they can do all of this without checking or answering their cell phone.
Practice your conversation skills. Strike up a conversation with people around you while you are waiting in line, riding an elevator, waiting for a train or bus, or riding on an airplane. Dive into business networking events offered by your local chamber of commerce or your college alumni organization.
Being a good conversationalist is simple: ask questions of the other person. My conversation with the gentleman on the airplane began with some small talk about air travel. He said he travels a great deal for work. So I asked, "What do you do for a living?"
Some people will be very easy to talk to, while others will be like talking to a brick wall. Don't be discouraged, because it is good experience and part of your process. The other benefit is you meet some interesting people and sometimes make a good business connection.
Being a good conversationalist is simple: ask questions of the other person. My conversation with the gentleman on the airplane began with some small talk about air travel. He said he travels a great deal for work. So I asked, "What do you do for a living?"
Some people will be very easy to talk to, while others will be like talking to a brick wall. Don't be discouraged, because it is good experience and part of your process. The other benefit is you meet some interesting people and sometimes make a good business connection.
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