Ever hit that moment of awkward silence?
At an event and don’t know what to talk about?
Does it seem like all you do is grip, grin and graze making chit chat that’s merely a conversation seeking a topic?
Here’s an easy acronym to navigate you through a conversation. Ask questions following the pattern of this acronym surrounding each letter as a focus for the question: FORMULA.
F = friends and family (i.e. Do you have any friends doing what you do?)
O = occupation and organizations (i.e. What do you do for a living?)
R = rest, relaxation and recreation (i.e. When you’re not working, what do you like to do?)
M = motivation (i.e. Why did you go into business?)
U = unique (i.e. What is it that makes you different from ABC company?)
L = loves (i.e. Golfers love the game. Collectors love their hobby. Ask about it and listen.)
A = associations (i.e. Are you member of the XYZ industry association? Where do you learn about all the latest industry news? Do you have a local chapter of XYZ?)
Use this acronym to help you move a conversation along in a meaningful way!
Short and sweet this week! Remember, when you start the conversation your job is to listen and to learn about people and connections. The greatest conversationalist are often the greatest listeners.
Here’s more helpful hints as you wind down your summer!
- What is the Best Type of Organization for You to Work In? by Debra Benton
- 11 Dos and Don’ts for Quitting Your Job by Glassdoor.com
- Why the Good Survive and the Best Enjoy Success by Nance Rosen
- How to Say No To Your Boss by Ceren Cubukcu
- How to Prepare for a Job Interview by Alex Freund
- Lessons on How Not to Sell by Elinor Stutz
- How to Upgrade Your Resume, Part 1 by Richard Kirby
- 11 Ways a Podcast Can Help Build Your Brand by The Young Entrepreneur Council
- The One Action that Makes or Breaks Brand You by Maria Elena Duron
- Starting a Business has Never been Easier by Jeff Shuey
- 5 Reasons TOP Candidates Won’t be Joining YOUR Team* by Skip Freeman
- Build Your Personal Brand with a LinkedIn Blog by Susan Gilbert
- Essential Things You Need to Know About Taking Risks by Beth Kuhel
- Boost Creativity in Your Career by Leslie Truex
- 10 Branding Tips for a Great AngelList Profile by The Young Entrepreneur Council
- Probing for Pain Points in an Interview by Marc Miller
- Negotiating Salary From the Employer’s Point of View by Ken Sundheim
