How do you say hi?

[arlo]

picture this
you're at this party/convention/seminar/workshop and you see this succesful businessman/woman. i hotshot, if i may say. and you know, you JUST know, that this is a great business opportunity to do something. you don't actually HAVE a proposal/business plan, you just know that something will come up if you struck a conversation with this guy/girl..

so, how do you do it? what do you say for starters? then what do you talk about?

[Paint and Air Sportz]

The art of conversation....

To open, you really just need to say anything, its easiest to just start with a question though. Say something like
"is it suppose to rain today?"
Can be great for just breaking the ice after that introduce your self.

[jasaunders]

Read "Never Eat Alone" By Keith Ferrazzi
It goes in depth about the question you asked.
For more info on Ferrazzi you could read the Inc. Magazine article about him from '03 http://www.inc.com/magazine/20030101/25049.html

[zoobie]

First thing, you just have to talk or approach anyone. Start a conversation.

Second, it's a good thing not to eat alone. Be with a group.

[WanganRunner]

I would probably pull my pants down and scream the Redskins Fight Song.

Nice little ice-breaker.

[Aletheides]

read How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

[Mikey1205]

Is it really necessary to read a book on how to introduce yourself to a business person.

Well go over to them. Over your hand.

"My name is _________________, I own ___________________ . I see you are from _______________________, insert your question here"

And take it from there. It's not rocket science.

[WanganRunner]

"My name is _________________, I own ___________________ . I see you are from _______________________, insert your question here"

So sort of like this?


My name is The Baron Ludwig von Cuntstuffer, I own an eighteen-inch whale dildo. I see you are from the land of naughty bunnies, want to make ze babies?

[Online Super Sale]

So sort of like this?


My name is The Baron Ludwig von Cuntstuffer, I own an eighteen-inch whale dildo. I see you are from the land of naughty bunnies, want to make ze babies?

umm,

[jcoxy4]

Why are people reading books on how to talk ? Its not the hardest thing to do,reading a book on marketing i can understand but on talking.

[Zoxak]

So sort of like this?


My name is The Baron Ludwig von Cuntstuffer, I own an eighteen-inch whale dildo. I see you are from the land of naughty bunnies, want to make ze babies?

Why yes I do Baron. Yes. I. Do.

[jasaunders]

Because not everyone, aka most people, don't have good networking skills. It's easier said than done to just walk up to someone and say hi. and even if you do, if it is someone important, they probably wouldn't take the time of day to talk to you. Networking is a skill and as such there are many books on it.

[Aletheides]

For shit sake, the ignorance stick really hit this thread hard didn't it?

Right from wiki:
¨How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the bestselling self-help books ever published. Written by Dale Carnegie and first published in 1936, it has sold more than 15 million copies. It was a New York Times best seller for 10 years.

The gives tips and strategies for communicating with people. In contrast with some modern theories of psychology, which emphasize autonomy, self-expression and assertiveness, it echoes Lord Chesterfield's view that pleasing others is both a duty and a paradoxical route to personal success.¨

[freedom.project]

I would agree with all of you who said read "How to Win Friends and Influence People". It teaches you great people skills and gives you life examples on how to apply it.

Anyways, I'm still in High School and I always had a challenge talking to girls even though I was always told I'm a good looking guy. (i know, cocky). Anyways, I look at approaching business people like approaching girls my age. Once you get past the fear of standing out, you'll be fine. I've found that the fear of standing out is sometimes greater than the fear of dying. So..stop worrying about what people think of you and just be yourself.

[jackdaniels]

I totally undertand this situation..
Sometimes is hard to go there and talk to a business person..
Many of you guys are saying is very easy..
"just go there and start talking"... Yeah, thats easy,,,, but whats the purpose of begining with a simple chat?
What we try to do is leave an impression on the people.. Lets say we do not have a proposal handy, so how do you tell what you have in mind?
I did propose my plan like 5 times,,,,
and trust me,,, its like when you are in a theater play.... You have determination, you have practiced and everything.. Suddendly they put the lights oun you,, and there you are........
You need to start talking....
Its pretty hard man.