Hello! Has Spring sprung where you are? Mother Nature is thinking about it here in Southern California but we’re not quite there yet. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for some lovely (warm) Spring weather!

This month I’d like to address a topic that has come up recently for several of my clients. It’s how to gracefully exit a conversation you’re having with someone you’ve met at a networking event or other function. Although not rocket science, it can feel as though it is when you’re standing there and can’t quite disengage! Read on for some tips to make this critical part of networking easier.

Is there something in particular you would like me to address in the newsletter? Email me at Barbara@Raimaker-Strategies.com.

ENDING THE CONVERSATION ON A HIGH NOTE

So, let’s say you’re at a networking function and you’ve spent 10 minutes talking to someone you just met, made a great connection, have exchanged business cards and are standing there awkwardly – knowing it’s time to move on but not quite sure how to do so gracefully. Next time this happens to you, try one of these tips:

* Disengage from the person after YOU have finished a comment, rather than after the person with whom you are speaking says something. You won’t feel like you’re cutting them off.

* End the conversation by excusing yourself to continue searching for a particular person. It’s a great way to leave a conversation gracefully, particularly when you began the conversation by asking the person if they had seen someone you were seeking.

* Excuse yourself to say hello to someone with whom you need to speak. People understand that everyone circulates during networking and don’t expect you to stay with them for long.

* Use acceptable reasons to excuse yourself. These include making a phone call, going to the restroom, or getting a beverage or a snack. This ends the conversation and allows you to move on gracefully. Be sure, however, to move a reasonable distance away from the person before engaging in a new conversation – at least a quarter of the room away.

* Introduce the person with whom you are speaking to another person and then excuse yourself. This enables you to talk to others while assisting two people in starting their own conversation.

Oh, and be sure not to spend more than 10 minutes with any particular person at a networking event. More than that is considered rude. Remember that they have other people to meet too!

Do you have any additional methods that you use to end a conversation and move smoothly on to the next? If so, I’d love to hear from you. Email your tips to me at Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com.

Speaking Engagements: Now that my practice- building program is in the final stages of production, I’m coming out of hibernation and doing more speaking engagements. I’m excited, as speaking and training are so much fun for me! Here’s where I will be over the next month:

On April 14, 2005, I’ll be in Orange County, CA speaking to the Legal Marketing Association, SoCal Chapter on the “Six Steps To Building the Practice of Your Dreams.”

On April 25, 2005, I’ll be addressing the Senior Executives Group at the San Diego office of Lee Hecht Harrison on the subject of “Power Networking: Building Relationships that Bring Business.”

Also in April I’ll be giving half-day training programs at two private companies. These programs are based on my business-building system, “Making Rain Out of Mist.” If you’re interested in seeing how one of my training programs or speaking topics would benefit your company or organization, please give me a call or send me an email. I am currently accepting engagements for the month of June and beyond.

Booklet Information. To purchase your copy of my booklet, Business Development: 97 Quick & Easy Tips For Lawyers, go to my web site at
www.rainmaker-strategies.com or send me an email at Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com and I’ll be happy to process your order. Cost is $5.00
for a single copy (plus tax where applicable and shipping).

Barbara Nichols Mencer
Rainmaker Strategies
Barbara@Rainmaker-Strategies.com
www.rainmaker-strategies.com

If you’ve enjoyed this article and learned a valuable business-building tip, please feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues.

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