Big tool taught to me by my business mentor, Elizabeth Weber, always use the 3 foot rule.  You never know who you are going to meet no matter where you are or who they are going to know.  No matter where you are, whether it’s in line for coffee, at a party, networking event, social gathering, waiting room, or where ever, smile and say hi.  Learn to initiate conversation.

The one word in the English dictionary that will make you the most money is “Hi”.  So simple!  Now use it.  If the person doesn’t respond, move onto the next.  Spark conversation.  Here are a few tips.  I prefer to use the 3 W’s:

What do you do?

Where are you from?

Who do you know?

or you could use FORM

Family

Occupation

Recreation

Money

See by asking questions about that persons life, people naturally like to talk about themselves.  Not to mention conversation usually is reciprocal.  Nine times out of ten if you ask someone what they do, they will ask you what you do, which always leaves the door open for business and networking.  Learn to listen because if you can provide help for that person even in the form of a referral, that builds trust and people are more inclined to do business with people they know, like, and trust.  It’s all about building relationships.

Have a conversation with yourself.  Here is a trick I use.  Every morning I have a conversation with myself.  I look in the mirror and every morning I tell myself I am friend making machine and who is lucky enough to meet me today???  See when you change your  mind set and program your brain for success, nothing can stop you.