MOO “Networking For People Who Hate Networking” Tip #1: Small Talk

Photo by Alexis Brown on Unsplash

Hey there, hero!

As you may know, I love MOO cards. I’ve been using them, and MOO stickers, and MOO postcards for years.

And they do what I do: they publish little golden nuggets to help their clients live better lives.

Recently, they created a post about “networking for shy people” and it was heavy with great stuff.

I want to share some of those little golden nuggets with you over the next few videos.

Today’s has to do with small talk. Hate it? Watch this video.

Link to MOO stuff: https://www.voheroes.com/get-moo

Hope this helps!

David

Responses

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  1. When it comes to small talk, its not that I don’t like it, its that I don’t always connect with the OTHER person’s small talk. And that awkwardness is what I dislike. However, its so much easier to focus more on just being myself than trying to impress. Making that convo more about the other person than myself, is also super helpful too. Great tips. My best tips for small talk is seek out what is genuine in the conversation. Follow the path of being genuine verses being impressive or clever. No one really wants that. They would rather have the kind of honest connection that makes you say in the end, “hey good talking to you, glad we met!” And so on.

  2. Hi David,
    Wow, you hit the mark on this one. Would you believe I found myself shifting my feet a little bit b/c it felt like you were speaking directly to me?!? I have found myself hanging back in sooo many different situations simply b/c I felt awkward at smalltalk. I feel like I’m not good at it, but I think you’re absolutely right about others who feel exactly the same. But now I’m getting to the point where I am ready to step, (gingerly of course), outside of my comfort zone in order to go after the things that I WANT, i.e., to be part of a conversation cuz I have a lot to share! So I’m gonna take your advice on two things: 1) I’ve just signed up w/ Moo Cards so that I get “golden nuggets” from them and their free sample pack; and 2) I’m going to challenge myself by acknowledging that I’m NOT good at smalltalk at the next Meetup or gathering that I attend. Exciting and scary at the same time …. Thanks for pushing me in the right direction, David! 🙂

  3. I have the shy problem. I’d rather stay home with a good book. It’s terrifying to me to interact with strangers. In fact, this even carries over to commenting on sites like this. I just don’t ever do it! So, can you admit to shyness in these situations? I’m afraid that would make it more awkward. Any ideas about a different way to approach it?

  4. David,

    I was lucky when I FINALLY decided to attend my first Chamber of Commerce networking night. I hadn’t even joined yet. It took all I had to take that first step. While there, I walked up to a small group of women who were chatting together and I stood near an opening of their circle. One (wonderful) woman must have noticed my awkwardness and introduced herself, invited me into the conversation, introduced her friends and asked me about myself. I learned a lot from her that evening and I have put that into practice when I see new people at gatherings. I will be forever grateful to her.

    Thank you!

    Mary