“let me wash my hands first”
i am spending a good part of this week in a conference in half moon bay, ca (amazing scenery, crappy weather).
the sessions are pretty good, but a big reason for people (me included) to come to such events is networking. i don’t think i am too good at it, but i am getting better over the years.
anyway. i believe that i had just witnessed the bottom in terms of desperate attempt to engage someone in a conversation. it was in the restrooms…
the target was finishing taking a leak at the urinal when this guy approaches him saying something like "i really liked what you said about…" and reaches for a handshake. the target answered "let me wash my hands first. i think it will be best for both of us"..
i seriously doubt that their conversation will result in anything beyond this blog post
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lol! seriously. i’m at a coffee shop and people are looking at me funny as i burst out laughing.
Hahaha. Good one.
The gift of bumping elbows and the art of conversation is hard to learn. It’s usually something you’re either born with or you just don’t have it. I put myself in the former category and I try to hone my skills in conversation by listening to books on tape that are authored by great communicators on the subject. Getting points from the pros are what can really make the difference.
This is one book:
http://www.amazon.com/Pocket-Guide-Making-Successful-Small/dp/0967751705/ref=pd_bbs_2/103-7184296-5239035?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181346888&sr=1-2
That I just finished reading and I’m downloading this audio book as we speak:
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-Conversations-Tools-Talking-Stakes/dp/0071401946/ref=pd_bbs_3/103-7184296-5239035?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181346888&sr=1-3
The reasoning is that you’ll always encounter people who might be in a position of power but they’re people of few words. Getting conversation out of them is like getting blood from a stone. At least you have the common sense not to question someone who just finished draining themselves.