How do you professionally and respectfully end a networking conversation that isn’t going anywhere?
Earlier this year I helped run a workshop on the
topics of public speaking and networking skills. During the event a question was
asked that I hadn’t previously thought about. The question asked was “how do
you professionally end a networking conversation that isn’t going anywhere?”
Although I’ve navigated such situations, I hadn’t
thought about a consistent, repeatable approach for such scenarios. Through a group
discussion, we shaped an approach. Our group was comprised of newcomers to the
city and 75% of the audience would be attending a networking event/job fair the
following day.
My general advice for initiating a networking conversation
is to;
1.
Ask what brings your
conversation partner to the event
2. Ask some follow-up questions about their reasons
3. Volunteer some information about why you’re attending the event
4. Assess if there is mutual opportunity
An Example
As an example, your conversation partner may be searching
for employees in the Information Technology field. You can ask some further
questions about industries supported, about specific IT skills they seek, industries
the company works with, etc.
You can then offer your reasons for attending.
Maybe you’re seeking a position in marketing. Ideally your conversation partner
will ask some follow-up questions.
As the conversation begins to lull, it’s fine to
look for a graceful exit if there’s no obvious fit, regardless how pleasant
your conversation partner happens to be.
A simple approach is to thank your conversation partner
for the discourse, demonstrate you were listening and indicate you’ll pass on
the opportunity if you meet some attendees skilled in IT, and to ask if the
partner could suggest someone you might want to talk with about your ambitions.
Sample Dialogue
“Hi my name is Jim. What brings you to this event?”
“Hi I’m Mary and we’re here looking for potential
hires for our IT operation.”
“Interesting. What specific skill sets are you
looking for?”
“We’re looking primarily for people with experience
in cloud computing and cybersecurity.”
“I see.
Cloud computing and cybersecurity. I’m here because I’m searching for a position
where I can use my experience in marketing, preferably in product development.”
“I see.”
… Conversation lull
“Well thanks for the conversation. If I encounter an attendee with cybersecurity
or cloud computing background, I’ll send them your way. Do you have a business
card, or can we connect now on LinkedIn?”
“Thanks again. Is there anyone you’d suggest I
speak with about my desire to find a position in marketing?”
Ending Conversations in General
When networking as a job seeker, it is critical to
build one’s network, as you never know how an opportunity might emerge.
However, you do want to make effective use of your time, and respect the time
commitment of other attendees. If a conversation isn’t productive, it’s appropriate
to professionally wrap it up.
Previous Networking Post – A
Simple Networking Tip
I have previously written about networking here
https://gycz.blogspot.com/2024/02/a-simple-networking-tip.html
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