It's tricky chatting to strangers, or people you don't know such as at networking events, so follow this formula to keep it easy.

1. “Hey, give me
your business
card!”

2. People buy from people, they don’t buy from
companies.

3. So it makes sense to get to know more
people!

4. It can be hard starting a
conversation with
someone you don’t
know …..

5. So start by using
OAR-ation

6. Occupation

7. Ask: What do you do?
• “How long have you been doing
that?”
• “That sounds interesting, tell me
more”
• “What does that entail?”

8. Association

9. Ask: How are you associated
with this event?
• “Are you a member here too?”
• “Are you a regular attendee of
these events?”
• “Do you know the organizer?”

10. Recreation

11. Ask: What do you do in
your down time?
• “What do you have planned for the
weekend?”
• “Do you follow any particular sport?”
• “Tell me about your hobbies”

12. Follow up

13. Don’t forget to follow up
• No point in going if you end it there
• Agree to follow up if they are
receptive
• Telephone to reconnect, don’t
email

14. Then say Hello to someone else …

15. • Get out to more places!
• Mix the locations up a little
• Find some commonality
• Use OAR-ation
• And start with Hello 
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