We’ve all been networking, and got stuck with The Bore.
But how do we get away from them?!
Because, my word, we need to know. Otherwise, we’ll either keep talking to them for ages, or blurt out “don’t let me keep you”, or “I need the toilet.”
So, here’s a technique that works well…
Option #1 – When you DO want to speak to this person again
- Simply tell them that you’re enjoying the conversation, and that you’d love to continue it on a different day
- Offer to take the action to contact them tomorrow, to schedule a time you can have that follow-up chat
- Get their contact details
- End with something charming, but final. Something like “I look forward to chatting with you tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your evening”, etc.
Option #2 – When you do NOT want to speak to this person again
- At some point during the conversation, ask them who they’re hoping to meet at the event. For example, they might say ‘people who work in banks’
- And then, at the end of the conversation, refer back to people they want to meet – saying something like “Earlier on, you said you want to meet some bankers this evening” …
- … “if I bump into any later, would you like me to send them your way?” (They will say “yes” – who wouldn’t?!)
- Then end with charm and finality – “I’d be delighted to do that. I’ve enjoyed meeting you” (they will say “I’ve enjoyed it too” – and then you go your separate ways)
There are many reasons this works – there’s a clear benefit to them of the conversation ending, and so on.
But one key reason: using the past tense in your final sentence (“enjoyed”) shows that the conversation is over!
And then, of course, if you happen to speak to a banker later, you can end that conversation with: “earlier, I met someone who wanted to meet people who work in banks. I think she might be a good connection for you. Let me introduce you” … and then you can get rid of the banker as well!
This is just one suggestion, of course. If you love it, great. If you don’t, create your own.
But, unless you know in advance how to end a conversation … you might not end it!
And we do not want to stumble into saying the Forrest Gump ending of “and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.”
Action Point
Before your next networking event, decide the words you’ll say, to get OUT of a conversation. And then use them. Every conversation. Forever.