Three Tips to Make Difficult Networking Conversations Become Helpful
By NETWORK. LEAD. EXCHANGE.
Many people shy away from difficult conversations, but the top professionals lean into them. Network Lead Exchange has three tips for making uncomfortable conversations productive and conversion oriented.
The best professionals are constantly venturing into difficult territory with their conversations. This occurs because growth takes place when trying to covert people who are not inclined to a specific viewpoint. At networking events, there’s largely a desire for comity, and that tends to inhibit people from expressing their points of view. The following pieces of advice help professionals have difficult conversations and get the most out of them.
It’s Alright to End a Conversation without Agreement
Provided a conversation is respectful, open, and honest, there’s no loss if a person doesn’t convert at the time of the conversation. The respect makes an impression, and allowing a person to take their thoughts with them while integrating new information is the best way to eventually have the person convert. However, if the person never converts, the net benefit is the gaining of the “straight shooter” reputation. Even if a person disagrees, they’re likely to give referrals because they respect someone who is direct and honest while others would be circumspect.
Listen to the Counterargument
The biggest mistake most people make in difficult conversations is trying to rebut every point. This is a natural human inclination, but it’s an easy way to turn someone off. If a person makes ten points and all ten are incorrect, find the one that’s easiest to rebut and kindly discuss that. Just because the other nine aren’t addressed doesn’t mean agreement on those topics is implied. It just means they’re tabled. This practice keeps the conversation focused and allows for thoughtful discussion.
Use Humor, But Relate it to the Situation
Most people use humor as a way to de-fang the conversation partner, but this is a bad idea. It makes the other person defensive, which is where conversations essentially end. Instead, talk about the situation in a humorous way. Discuss interesting things happening on the topic because there are always common points. Ultimately, if the other person laughs, they’re likely going to be more open to a different point of view.
The best networks have robust conversations about a variety of topics. Don’t shy away from these difficult conversations. Practice your talent with difficult conversations @ NETWORKLEADEXCHANGE.COM.
