The document discusses elevator networking and provides strategies for using the short time in an elevator to effectively network and make connections. Some key strategies include: speaking up first to guide the conversation, having interesting conversation starters prepared, complimenting others, sharing quick facts, asking questions about the floors others are going to or for advice, remembering details about people to follow up on later, and having business cards ready to exchange if opportunities arise. The goal is to network efficiently within the 118 second average elevator ride time and potentially develop connections that could benefit one's business or career.
5. DON’T MISS A CHANCE
TO NETWORK
WITH
STRANGERS,
PEERS,
NEIGHBOURS
YOU COME ACROSS
EVEN FOR A FEW MOMENTS
6. The average elevator ride is 118
sec. Using those few seconds can
provide a tremendous opportunity
for connection that can ultimately
impact the success of your company
and career.
ELEVATOR RIDE
7. In the elevator, there is an
opportunity to be memorable, to
build relationship and generate
business referrals ---all in the span of
118 seconds.
The Right Way to Network
9. When a businessperson steps onto an
elevator, there’s really no time to lose.
First to speak will guide the short
conversation, so being the first to comment
will place you in a position of networking
power.
Be armed and ready with interesting
conversation starters that will be useful to
fellow elevator riders (as opposed to
annoying).
SPEAK UP
11. This works for both men and women
and is a great way to open up a
friendly conversation.
Complimenting someone’s tie, dress
or watch is a great way to start
BEGIN WITH A COMPLIMENT
12. Prepare yourself with short,
interesting facts. You can capture
people’s attention and begin a
conversation easily.
“Did you know that if you accidently press one of the
floors on most elevators, you can press that same
button twice to remove it?”
SHARING A QUICK FACT
13. A smart elevator rider can take notice of the floor his
fellow elevator companion presses and begin a
conversation based on that. By asking “What company
is on the seventh floor?” you can find out where your
elevator companion works and what he or she
does. This conversation leads to future interaction
that is centered around business -- an excellent boon to
elevator networking.
Take Notice Of What Others Are
Doing
14. A ask quick question like : “Where is
the best coffee around here?” will
start a conversation with elevator
riders and could also lead to a future
coffee networking appointment.
Ask For Advice
15. Remember the people you’ve met and remember as many
details about them as possible. Use your voice recorder
which is on most smartphones or jot down some key
conversation items once you get back to your office or car.
When you ride with the same person multiple times, you’ll
need to draw upon past conversations to forge a deeper
connection that can ultimately lead to business success.
If you begin by asking about the floor someone works on,
during your next ride with that person, you might ask a
question about what their company is doing that day. By
remembering the people you’ve already met, you’ll be able
to continue the conversation over time and soon the
stranger will evolve into a connection.
REMEMBER.
16. Any good business person will have a business card
ready at all times. The elevator is no
exception. Naturally I’m not suggesting that you
pepper every elevator companion with a card the
moment they enter the space but should the
opportunity arise, you’ll be happy you were prepared.
HAVE YOUR
BUSINESS CARD
HANDY.
17. Apply this technique to include parking lot
networking, lobby networking, stadium, gym, etc.
After making an elevator connection, often you’ll
find that people are happy to parking garages to
continue interesting conversations. It is in these
conversations that business referrals or insights are
likely to be shared.
Business is about people. And the more people
connect, the better your business can be.
TAKE IT OUTSIDE.