Stage 5 of 7 · 6 lessons · ~1 week
Small talk and networking events
Events, meetups and career fairs open doors, but only if you talk to people. Learn how to start conversations, keep them going by listening, leave politely and follow up afterwards.
Start: Why small talk mattersLessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order
Do this
- Write and practise your one-line introduction
- Write three open questions and two exit lines
- Find two events in the next month and register for one
- Talk to at least three people at the event
- Send a short, specific follow-up message within two days
Start with
- BookPaidHow to Win Friends and Influence People (Dale Carnegie)
Dale Carnegie (Simon & Schuster) · Paid book
The old classic on listening, names and genuine interest in other people
Practise
Keep handy
Before moving on: One event attended with a goal of talking to three people, your one-line introduction practised, at least three conversations started and ended politely, and follow-up messages sent within two days.
You do not need to work the room. Go with a small goal, ask questions, listen properly and follow up. One real conversation followed by one good message is worth more than a pocket full of business cards.
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).