How to Start a Conversation With a New Business Associate

Not everyone has a natural gift of gab. It is an art that needs to be cultivated. As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Begin your first conversation with a new business associate, and the next one will be easier.

Instructions

1. Start with a greeting. A smile and handshake go a long way. If you make the effort to be open and polite to business associates, they tend to return the favor.

2. Find a common interest. It may seem cliché, but it doesn't hurt to start out by talking about the business and how she got there. Once people begin to talk, the conversation can always stray to other topics.

3. Remain polite and courteous. Some people are put off by those that are too casual in the work place right off the bat. So stay business like until you feel as though this person is comfortable with you.

4. Use his name. To solidify it in your head, use his name at least once in the first conversation. This will prevent your passing him in the hallway and drawing a blank.

5. Play it safe. Keep the initial conversations light and easy. There is no need to stray into politics and religion when you are trying to have a polite conversation with a new business associate.

6. Keep up with the times. Being current on the world and local affairs will help give you something to talk about. Turn on the news everyday or read the paper.

7. Ask lots of questions. It seems funny, but people will think you are a really good conversationalist if you do nothing but listen and let them talk about themselves.