“Holiday parties can be more than just fun—they offer networking opportunities to boost your career, build your business, or even increase your revenue.
I recommends that you be an active networker at social and business holiday parties, but he cautions, “Don’t be a networking shark, non-stop talker or know-it-all. These annoying networkers turn off just about everyone.”
Other common networking mistakes include:
* Only chatting with your colleagues or friends. (This comes off as being cliquish and uninterested in others.)
* Waiting for others to approach you. (This makes you appear snobbish or unfriendly.)
* Bad-mouthing your competitors or grousing about your boss, coworkers or company. (No one wants to network with complainers.)
Finally, a common mistake—especially for those new to the workplace—is thinking that the office party is an opportunity to let down your hair and let it all hang out. Nothing can ruin a budding or even established career faster than cutting lose at the holiday office party in a way that has people saying, "Can you believe what ... said (or did) at the party?"
Are you with the media? If so request a review copy of How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends and book an interview with Don Gabor. Please contact him at 718-768-0824 or don@dongabor.com
Monday, December 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
What if you send a LinkedIn invite to someone who doesn't respond?
I recently received this question via LinkedIn: What if you send a LinkedIn invite to someone you have not networked with in a while and they do not respond? What then? What's a appropriate way to respond?
Dear LinkedIn User:
Some people don’t pay enough attention to or respond quickly to LinkedIn invitations. You can try to reconnect with long-lost contacts via a direct email or telephone. If you have a specific reason such as a question to ask or topic to bring up, it will make the conversation go more smoothly. For example, perhaps you saw the person’s name mentioned in a blog, listed as a speaker at an tech conference or given an award. I’m sure a call to say congratulations would be welcome. Or, if all else fails, just say,
“Hi … this is … We met at …. It’s been so long since we saw each other last, I thought I contact you and see what you’re up to these days. Do you have a few minutes to chat?”
If your past relationship was good, most people will probably respond positively. If not, then maybe it’s time to look to connect with someone else who is more receptive.
If your past relationship was good, most people will probably respond positively. If not, then maybe it’s time to look to connect with someone else who is more receptive.
Monday, August 22, 2011
BACK TO SCHOOL --IT’S TIME TO OPEN THE BOOKS AND START NEW FRIENDSHIPS
“No matter if you are in high school or college, everyone’s a little nervous on the first day of classes! It’s natural, especially if you are new to the school.” says Don Gabor, "small talk" expert and author of the updated and newly revised, How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends (Simon & Schuster/Touchstone 2011).
The trick to getting over the awkward silent moments is to be the first to break the ice and start a conversation. “As the saying goes,” Gabor points out, “it’s not what you say—it’s how you say it. Once the conversation gets going then both of you will feel more at ease and open to getting to know one another better.
Here are several more tips for making and keeping friends.
10 STEPS FOR MAKING AND KEEPING FRIENDS
1. Be the first to say hello and introduce yourself.
2. Ask a question, make a light comment, or offer a sincere compliment.
3. Listen and ask follow-up questions about what interests you.
4. Reveal information so a new friend knows your interests.
5. Talk about common interests and experiences.
6. Spend time together in school studying, eating lunch, or playing a sporting activity.
7. Introduce a new friend to some of your other friends.
8. Work on a school project together.
9. Spend time together outside of school.
10. Talk via email, on social networks, the telephone and face-to-face as much as possible.
10 TIPS TO WIN FRIENDS FOR LIFE
F = Find friends who share your interests.
R = Respect your friend's feelings and opinions.
I = Invite a new friend to join you and your other friends in fun activities.
E = Encourage friendly conversation and openness.
N = Never reveal a friend's secret -- to anyone!
D = Don't drop old friends for new friends.
S = Stand up for your friend if someone else puts him or her down.
H = Have patience with your friends.
I = Increase the amount of time you spend together.
P = Patch up little spats before they turn into major arguments.
Don Gabor was a spokesperson for Grand Marnier, Sprint and Frito-Lay. He has given hundreds of media interviews in publications including NY News Day, NY Times, Daily News, Woman’s Day, Self, Redbook, Men's Health, Entrepreneur, Success, Woman’s World, National Enquirer, Readers Digest, and many other newspapers and magazines of interest to men and women. The New Yorker called Don, "a gifted conversationalist." He was the 2010-2011 president of the New York City chapter of the National Speakers Association.
To find out more about Don Gabor visit him at www.dongabor.com. or email him at don@dongabor.com.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
8 NETWORKING GOALS FOR JANUARY 2011
"Start your networking goals in January and they will pay off all year long,” according to networking and small talk expert, Don Gabor—author of the goal-setting book,
Big Things Happen When You Do the Little Things Right*
(* Get a PDF copy of this book for $2.99!--go to http://www.dongabor.com/ or click on the link below.)
Starting NOW:
1. Save networking dates. Mark your 2011 calendar for at least one networking event a month including business meetings, social events, workshops, and other industry or career related conferences or meetings.
2. Make new or re-establish contacts. Set yourself a goal of making 1-5 new professional contacts a month either in person or via the Internet. Reconnecting with old contacts count! If you start now that will yield 12-60 new contacts by the end of 2011!
3. Follow-up with recent contacts. January is the perfect time to send emails, make calls or mail promised information to the contacts you met at recent events like the past conferences or holiday parties.
4. Refer clients or assistance to colleagues. January is a time that most people make an effort to get things done so your efforts to help your colleagues and friends will most certainly be appreciated and remembered all year long.
5. Get professionally printed business cards. The answer to, “How can I get in touch with you?” is “Here’s my card.” It’s easy and cheap to have professionally printed business cards. (Business cards printed on home printers look amateurish.) Do a search for “business cards” and get them done right.
6. Get involved. Join professional and civic associations and volunteer to help in the monthly meetings. The professional and social relationships you begin in January will strengthen all year long.
7. Start your list of networking goals for 2011. Effective networking begins with clearly defined goals. Start a list now and you will be pleasantly surprised to see how many you can accomplish by the end of 2011.
8. Practice your conversation and networking skills every day. If meeting people and making conversation at networking events doesn’t come natural to you, consider reading my book, How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends and start improving your connecting skills right away—it’s easier than you think and can really accelerate your career.
To get more done in 2011 in your professional, social and personal life read:
Big Things Happen When You Do the Little Things Right by Don Gabor
E-BOOK PDF FORMAT DOWNLOAD! $2.99
http://dongabor.com/shopsite_sc/shopping_cart/order.cgi?storeid=*125ffcada5740d76d7402a&dbname=products&itemnum=6&function=add
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Make Holiday Parties Profitable
Holiday office parties can be fun and even profitable, but they can also be deadly for your career if you don't watch what you say--or don't say!
1. THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE? Thinking the office party is a social event where you can let down your hair and let it all hang out. Nothing can ruin a budding or even established career faster than cutting lose at the holiday party in a way that keeps your coworkers saying for weeks, "Can you believe what ...said to ...at the party?"
2. MOST COMMON PARTY ETIQUETTE MISTAKE? Who should extend the hand first, the man or the woman? 50+ year-old etiquette said the man should wait for the woman to offer her hand, but today either the man or woman can take the initiative to shake hands. My advice is to extend your hand at the moment of introduction no matter who you meet.
Other mistakes to avoid:
3. Only chatting with your officemates. This comes off as being cliquish and uninterested in others.
4. Waiting for others to approach you. This makes you appear unapproachable and unfriendly.
5. Revealing too much personal information about problems at home, work or in relationships. This instantly translates to needy and insecure.
6. Only talking about yourself. This is the fastest way to bore others to tears!
7. Complain about your boss, company or coworkers. It may be well-deserved, but never "bite the hand that feeds you."
8. Getting "too friendly" with a coworker during the office party. This suggests that you don't understand boundaries and will quickly turn you into a workplace pariah.
Don Gabor is a communications trainer and the author of seven other books including the best-seller, How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. He was a spokesperson for Grand Marnier, Sprint and Frito-Lay. His books have been featured in NY Newsday, NY Times, Daily News, Men's Health, Entrepreneur, Success, Investor's Daily and many other national and trade magazines, plus his book was featured on "60 Minutes with Andy Rooney" and on many other TV and radio programs. The New Yorker called Don, "a gifted conversationalist."
1. THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE? Thinking the office party is a social event where you can let down your hair and let it all hang out. Nothing can ruin a budding or even established career faster than cutting lose at the holiday party in a way that keeps your coworkers saying for weeks, "Can you believe what ...said to ...at the party?"
2. MOST COMMON PARTY ETIQUETTE MISTAKE? Who should extend the hand first, the man or the woman? 50+ year-old etiquette said the man should wait for the woman to offer her hand, but today either the man or woman can take the initiative to shake hands. My advice is to extend your hand at the moment of introduction no matter who you meet.
Other mistakes to avoid:
3. Only chatting with your officemates. This comes off as being cliquish and uninterested in others.
4. Waiting for others to approach you. This makes you appear unapproachable and unfriendly.
5. Revealing too much personal information about problems at home, work or in relationships. This instantly translates to needy and insecure.
6. Only talking about yourself. This is the fastest way to bore others to tears!
7. Complain about your boss, company or coworkers. It may be well-deserved, but never "bite the hand that feeds you."
8. Getting "too friendly" with a coworker during the office party. This suggests that you don't understand boundaries and will quickly turn you into a workplace pariah.
Don Gabor is a communications trainer and the author of seven other books including the best-seller, How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. He was a spokesperson for Grand Marnier, Sprint and Frito-Lay. His books have been featured in NY Newsday, NY Times, Daily News, Men's Health, Entrepreneur, Success, Investor's Daily and many other national and trade magazines, plus his book was featured on "60 Minutes with Andy Rooney" and on many other TV and radio programs. The New Yorker called Don, "a gifted conversationalist."
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Keep Your Foot Out of Your Mouth When Making Small Talk at Conferences
By Don Gabor
The way I see it, all speaking is public speaking—whether you are presenting a speech at a local business club or making small talk with your colleagues and clients at a networking event. However, make one of the following conversation faux pas at the networking event and your career and professional image could be headed for trouble. Here are the most common and career-crunching mistakes.
1. Making inappropriate comments—even in jest
Nothing can ruin a budding or even established career faster at a conference than “letting your hair down” in a way that keeps your colleagues whispering, "Can you believe what he said?" Of course, using sexual innuendos or telling off-color jokes is a sure-fire way to attract attention, but not the kind that will boost your career. This faux pas can quickly send your prospects for advancement into a downward spiral. Never forget that the conferences — even for informal groups — is a business, not social, situation where most of the rules of business etiquette apply.
2. Not shaking hands with the opposite sex
Do you hesitate to offer to shake hands when you meet a member of the opposite sex? You might be surprised, but plenty of people are confused about this critical part of introductions at conferences. Blame it on 50+ year-old etiquette that instructed gentlemen to wait for ladies to first extend their hand, but that is about as passé as ladies dropping a hankie to start a conversation with a handsome passerby! Today, not offering to shake hands with a member of the opposite sex will peg men as sexist and women as unsure of themselves. Therefore, at today’s business conferences and everywhere else, for that matter—excluding for religious, cultural or physical reasons—both men or women should take the initiative to shake hands with everyone they meet.
3. Chatting for too long with your officemates
Shooting the breeze for a few minutes at conferences with your colleagues is all part of the fun, but if you stay ensconced in your closed circle of friends for too long, new coworkers, prospects or others will quickly cast you and your colleagues as cliquish, disinterested and not open to outsiders. Also, staying in one place too long, whether you are talking to someone or nibbling on the appetizers will make you appear shy, self-conscious and lacking confidence. It’s better to briefly chat with your buddies and then move to different areas of the room to introduce yourself to others you want to get to know better.
4. Asking more than three closed-ended questions in a row
“Do you work at our office?” “How long have you worked here?” “Who is your supervisor?” Yikes! You’re having a light chat—not a job interview or interrogation! Asking three or more closed ended questions in a row will certainly stifle any conversation, make others feel uncomfortable and definitely not win you any communication awards. Instead, show interest and a desire to find common interests by asking open-ended questions that encourage others to elaborate and reveal free information. Then based on what you hear that interests you, respond with follow-up questions and information of your own.
5. Talking too much or too little about yourself
“So enough about my job! Let me show you a picture of my kids (cats, car, etc.)!” Sure people love to talk about themselves, their pets, kids and grandchildren, but if you are the one doing all the talking, you could be boring the other guests to tears! On the other hand, if you are too tight-lipped, then people may see you as secretive, defensive or lacking interest and enthusiasm. The remedy here is to exchange information about various light subjects at about the same rate so that you both know what each other enjoys and likes to talk about.
6. Complaining or gossiping about colleagues or clients
You might be tempted and it may even be well-deserved, but never get involved in a gripe session about a colleague or client while attending a confernece. As obvious as this blunder is, people seem to do it all the time, especially after a few drinks. Even if you’re not the one making the crass remarks, if word gets back to the “offending person” you will still pay the price long after the party is over. If possible, politely excuse yourself from the conversation as quickly as possible. However, if you find yourself stuck with this group, then take the initiative and bring up something that moves the discussion to a more positive topic.
7. Talking about politics or controversial subjects
It never fails—there always seems to be at least one person at the event who likes to snag colleagues into heavy political “discussions” or offer longwinded lectures about his or her pet social issues. The trap often begins with the seemingly innocent words, “Don’t you think that …?” or “In my humble opinion ….” or “You people always …!” However, if you rebut with even a few words you’ll be in for an earful—and not the kind of conversation that most people at business conferences enjoy. Furthermore, discussing controversial topics in this situation often polarizes people who otherwise get along. The best thing to say when someone brings up a political or controversial subject at the office party is to say, “I never discuss politics or those topics at work.” Then it’s up to you to change the discussion to a less volatile topic.
Conferences Offer Golden Opportunities to Hone Your Small Talk Skills
Conferences are a great place to make small talk, establish rapport and build better relationships with your colleagues, acquaintances and clients. When you talk about light, upbeat subjects that lead to sharing common professional and personal interests, goals and experiences you’ll have plenty to talk about while boosting your career and honing your communication skills!
Don Gabor is a professional speaker and the author of eight books including the longtime best-seller How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. His newest book, TURN SMALL TALK INTO BIG DEALS: Using 4 Key Conversation Styles to Customize Your Networking Approach, Build Relationships and Win More Clients was published by McGraw-Hill Professional in 2009.
Contact Don at 718-768-0824, don@dongabor.com or www.dongabor.com.
#
By Don Gabor
The way I see it, all speaking is public speaking—whether you are presenting a speech at a local business club or making small talk with your colleagues and clients at a networking event. However, make one of the following conversation faux pas at the networking event and your career and professional image could be headed for trouble. Here are the most common and career-crunching mistakes.
1. Making inappropriate comments—even in jest
Nothing can ruin a budding or even established career faster at a conference than “letting your hair down” in a way that keeps your colleagues whispering, "Can you believe what he said?" Of course, using sexual innuendos or telling off-color jokes is a sure-fire way to attract attention, but not the kind that will boost your career. This faux pas can quickly send your prospects for advancement into a downward spiral. Never forget that the conferences — even for informal groups — is a business, not social, situation where most of the rules of business etiquette apply.
2. Not shaking hands with the opposite sex
Do you hesitate to offer to shake hands when you meet a member of the opposite sex? You might be surprised, but plenty of people are confused about this critical part of introductions at conferences. Blame it on 50+ year-old etiquette that instructed gentlemen to wait for ladies to first extend their hand, but that is about as passé as ladies dropping a hankie to start a conversation with a handsome passerby! Today, not offering to shake hands with a member of the opposite sex will peg men as sexist and women as unsure of themselves. Therefore, at today’s business conferences and everywhere else, for that matter—excluding for religious, cultural or physical reasons—both men or women should take the initiative to shake hands with everyone they meet.
3. Chatting for too long with your officemates
Shooting the breeze for a few minutes at conferences with your colleagues is all part of the fun, but if you stay ensconced in your closed circle of friends for too long, new coworkers, prospects or others will quickly cast you and your colleagues as cliquish, disinterested and not open to outsiders. Also, staying in one place too long, whether you are talking to someone or nibbling on the appetizers will make you appear shy, self-conscious and lacking confidence. It’s better to briefly chat with your buddies and then move to different areas of the room to introduce yourself to others you want to get to know better.
4. Asking more than three closed-ended questions in a row
“Do you work at our office?” “How long have you worked here?” “Who is your supervisor?” Yikes! You’re having a light chat—not a job interview or interrogation! Asking three or more closed ended questions in a row will certainly stifle any conversation, make others feel uncomfortable and definitely not win you any communication awards. Instead, show interest and a desire to find common interests by asking open-ended questions that encourage others to elaborate and reveal free information. Then based on what you hear that interests you, respond with follow-up questions and information of your own.
5. Talking too much or too little about yourself
“So enough about my job! Let me show you a picture of my kids (cats, car, etc.)!” Sure people love to talk about themselves, their pets, kids and grandchildren, but if you are the one doing all the talking, you could be boring the other guests to tears! On the other hand, if you are too tight-lipped, then people may see you as secretive, defensive or lacking interest and enthusiasm. The remedy here is to exchange information about various light subjects at about the same rate so that you both know what each other enjoys and likes to talk about.
6. Complaining or gossiping about colleagues or clients
You might be tempted and it may even be well-deserved, but never get involved in a gripe session about a colleague or client while attending a confernece. As obvious as this blunder is, people seem to do it all the time, especially after a few drinks. Even if you’re not the one making the crass remarks, if word gets back to the “offending person” you will still pay the price long after the party is over. If possible, politely excuse yourself from the conversation as quickly as possible. However, if you find yourself stuck with this group, then take the initiative and bring up something that moves the discussion to a more positive topic.
7. Talking about politics or controversial subjects
It never fails—there always seems to be at least one person at the event who likes to snag colleagues into heavy political “discussions” or offer longwinded lectures about his or her pet social issues. The trap often begins with the seemingly innocent words, “Don’t you think that …?” or “In my humble opinion ….” or “You people always …!” However, if you rebut with even a few words you’ll be in for an earful—and not the kind of conversation that most people at business conferences enjoy. Furthermore, discussing controversial topics in this situation often polarizes people who otherwise get along. The best thing to say when someone brings up a political or controversial subject at the office party is to say, “I never discuss politics or those topics at work.” Then it’s up to you to change the discussion to a less volatile topic.
Conferences Offer Golden Opportunities to Hone Your Small Talk Skills
Conferences are a great place to make small talk, establish rapport and build better relationships with your colleagues, acquaintances and clients. When you talk about light, upbeat subjects that lead to sharing common professional and personal interests, goals and experiences you’ll have plenty to talk about while boosting your career and honing your communication skills!
Don Gabor is a professional speaker and the author of eight books including the longtime best-seller How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends. His newest book, TURN SMALL TALK INTO BIG DEALS: Using 4 Key Conversation Styles to Customize Your Networking Approach, Build Relationships and Win More Clients was published by McGraw-Hill Professional in 2009.
Contact Don at 718-768-0824, don@dongabor.com or www.dongabor.com.
#
Friday, July 10, 2009
Small Talk at Reunions Causing You Grief?
If the thought of going to your high school or college reunion sends you running for cover, then consider this. Everyone changes over the years, so why worry if you’ve put on a little weight or lost some hair? The fact is that high school and college reunions are fun-filled social events that also offer many opportunities to gently network for business with people who share some of your history, and who are eager to hear your updated autobiography.
After years of not seeing old classmates, it’s easy to re-introduce yourself, find out what they do (or did) for a living, what they like to do now for fun, where they spend their time, efforts and money. Tell others the “short highlights” version what you’ve been doing for the last umpteen years with only a passing reference to any bad patches. As you listen and exchange information about your current activities, goals, children, hobbies and other pursuits, be sure to let these people know that you’re still in business and how you can help others achieve their goals.
As you reconnect with old friends and classmates, take mental notes of the people and their adult kids who went into businesses similar to your customers and clients. While these folks may be your target prospects during regular business hours, at the reunion they are old classmates first, and potential customers second. However, once the event is over, you can seek them out like you would any other potential customers.
Topics that Most People Like to Talk About at Reunions
Kids & family, Business, Retirement, Old & new projects, Hobbies, Travel, Personal passions, Old friends, Alumni organizations, Living one’s dream, sports, vacations, fitness, food, outdoor cooking, gardening, home renovations
Here are 7 Ways to Reconnect with Old Friends at Reunions
* Be ready to give a brief answer to "What have you been doing all these years?"
* Ask the person to join you for a cocktail, coffee or snack so you can have more time to talk.
* Reconnect over old interests and forge new connections with new interests.
* Reveal your new dreams and goals so your old friends still know what's important to you.
* Invite old and new friends to get-togethers outside the reunion's official events.
* Exchange more personal (but not too much!) information.
* Say how you are going to remain in contact, and then follow through on your promise.
Here are a few don’ts when you talk to people at reunions:
* Don’t brag about your accomplishments.
* Don’t tell your life story.
* Don’t downplay your business dreams.
* Don’t go into excruciating detail about your business.
How about a few easy opening lines at reunions. Remember it’s not so much what you say, it’s how you say it!
“So tell me, what have you been doing all these years?”
“Hi! I’m …. We were in the same class.”
“Do you know how I can get in touch with …?”
“I see that you live in … What’s it like there?”
“This is my first reunion and is it ever interesting!”
“I can’t begin to imagine how much work it must be to organize a reunion!”
“I found out a genealogy website that helps people find their long-lost relatives.”
“Do you know much about your family genealogy?”
“I’m thinking of organizing a family reunion. Do you know an organization who can help?”
Want to talk business at your reunion? Here are some conversational bridges to business topics.
“I read your bio in the reunion book and saw that you in the … business. I’m looking for someone who does what you do.”
“I’m a journalist. Have you heard any good reunion stories?”
“Do you know a hotel who can give our school a good rate for our upcoming reunion?”
“My oldest daughter is in your field. Do you mind if I give her your number?”
“Since we are in the same business, do you want to get together and compare notes?”
“It never occurred to me how big the reunion business is.”
“I want to create a family cookbook from our reunion. Do you know anyone in the publishing business?”
One more thing: Definitely avoid these “taboo topics”!
* rekindle old arguments * remind others of past indiscretions * gossip about old rivals * make remarks about cosmetic surgery, age, weight, hair (or lack thereof) * ask more than one question about a messy divorce * talk too much about oneself * flirt with an old flame who is happily married * bring up marital problems * tell sad personal stories * criticize the food or reunion organizers
Finally, go to have fun--and that's exactly what will happen! If you have any questions or want suggestions on what to say to a particular person at the reunion, email me at don@dongabor.com.
After years of not seeing old classmates, it’s easy to re-introduce yourself, find out what they do (or did) for a living, what they like to do now for fun, where they spend their time, efforts and money. Tell others the “short highlights” version what you’ve been doing for the last umpteen years with only a passing reference to any bad patches. As you listen and exchange information about your current activities, goals, children, hobbies and other pursuits, be sure to let these people know that you’re still in business and how you can help others achieve their goals.
As you reconnect with old friends and classmates, take mental notes of the people and their adult kids who went into businesses similar to your customers and clients. While these folks may be your target prospects during regular business hours, at the reunion they are old classmates first, and potential customers second. However, once the event is over, you can seek them out like you would any other potential customers.
Topics that Most People Like to Talk About at Reunions
Kids & family, Business, Retirement, Old & new projects, Hobbies, Travel, Personal passions, Old friends, Alumni organizations, Living one’s dream, sports, vacations, fitness, food, outdoor cooking, gardening, home renovations
Here are 7 Ways to Reconnect with Old Friends at Reunions
* Be ready to give a brief answer to "What have you been doing all these years?"
* Ask the person to join you for a cocktail, coffee or snack so you can have more time to talk.
* Reconnect over old interests and forge new connections with new interests.
* Reveal your new dreams and goals so your old friends still know what's important to you.
* Invite old and new friends to get-togethers outside the reunion's official events.
* Exchange more personal (but not too much!) information.
* Say how you are going to remain in contact, and then follow through on your promise.
Here are a few don’ts when you talk to people at reunions:
* Don’t brag about your accomplishments.
* Don’t tell your life story.
* Don’t downplay your business dreams.
* Don’t go into excruciating detail about your business.
How about a few easy opening lines at reunions. Remember it’s not so much what you say, it’s how you say it!
“So tell me, what have you been doing all these years?”
“Hi! I’m …. We were in the same class.”
“Do you know how I can get in touch with …?”
“I see that you live in … What’s it like there?”
“This is my first reunion and is it ever interesting!”
“I can’t begin to imagine how much work it must be to organize a reunion!”
“I found out a genealogy website that helps people find their long-lost relatives.”
“Do you know much about your family genealogy?”
“I’m thinking of organizing a family reunion. Do you know an organization who can help?”
Want to talk business at your reunion? Here are some conversational bridges to business topics.
“I read your bio in the reunion book and saw that you in the … business. I’m looking for someone who does what you do.”
“I’m a journalist. Have you heard any good reunion stories?”
“Do you know a hotel who can give our school a good rate for our upcoming reunion?”
“My oldest daughter is in your field. Do you mind if I give her your number?”
“Since we are in the same business, do you want to get together and compare notes?”
“It never occurred to me how big the reunion business is.”
“I want to create a family cookbook from our reunion. Do you know anyone in the publishing business?”
One more thing: Definitely avoid these “taboo topics”!
* rekindle old arguments * remind others of past indiscretions * gossip about old rivals * make remarks about cosmetic surgery, age, weight, hair (or lack thereof) * ask more than one question about a messy divorce * talk too much about oneself * flirt with an old flame who is happily married * bring up marital problems * tell sad personal stories * criticize the food or reunion organizers
Finally, go to have fun--and that's exactly what will happen! If you have any questions or want suggestions on what to say to a particular person at the reunion, email me at don@dongabor.com.
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