The Right Type of Small Talk
Sometimes people mistakenly perceive what goes on at networking meetings and events as making small talk with a bunch of strangers. However, effective business networking isn’t about making small talk at all. It is about building meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with other business professionals and small talk is not generally something that helps to further this aim. Successful networkers, recognizing that they have limited time to introduce themselves and convey the essence of what they do, generally avoid lengthy small talk.
If you want to build your business through networking and referral marketing, you must give a message that is heard by others. You need to create a positive message and deliver it effectively–who are you, what do you offer, and to whom do you offer it? When you properly position yourself with an effective message instead of trying to connect simply through making small talk, you save time because others quickly understand what you and your company represent and provide.
Take the time to plan your introduction and prepare some concise and descriptive overviews of your products or services. Then, when you meet someone for the first time, you can give them a good explanation of what you have to offer. I recommend that you develop several scripts that you can readily use when attending business networking meetings.
Show pride in who you are and what you do. As an example of this, I often mention a fantastic quote from Martha Taft. When she was a young girl in elementary school, she was asked to introduce herself to a group of people. “My name is Martha Bowers Taft,” she said. “My great-grandfather was President of the United States, my grandfather was a United States Senator, my daddy is Ambassador to Ireland, and I am a Brownie [in the Girl Scouts].”
The proper type of effective small talk can help you be more successful in building relationships with potential referral partners. After you talk about yourself, remember to ask other people about their business and what they do.
If you have honed your message and have crafted an introduction which has been effective for you at networking functions, I encourage you to share it in the comment forum below and to explain how you went about constructing your message and your introduction. You may be helping others by sharing your insights. Thank you!
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Thank you. In my estimation and through experience. My introduction at any business networking event ….is to make my message very simple and powerful not at least to be forgoten. Like the one above of that young grand daughter of formaer USA President; it was so powerful andsweet.
Great suggestions!
Really good info!
Great info!
appreciate all of the great information
I always appreciate watching and observing people who put time into their pitch and introductions.
I have been enjoying the BNI series of podcasts on networking – thank you! Also, networking works when you cast a net and work it! Being authentic, sincerely interested and follow up!
Had me at “My Grandfather was the President”, not sure much after that was even necessary. thanks for sharing the story.
Great – Grandfather…… (Correction)
This is great. I wish mixer organizers would remind everyone why they’re there and make it fine to drive business.
An interesting and concise article – I loved it! Thanks
I’m Bridget- a local senior living advisor covering Central NJ. I help families navigate the maze of supportive care—assisted living, memory care, and independent living. Hard conversations are my specialty, and in a crisis, I’m often the lifeline they need. It’s a no-fee concierge service, and I act as a gatekeeper, advocate, and planner. My company is Senior Care Authority.
If i have only a second. hi! I’m Bridget. I’m a senior living specialist. Basically, a real estate agent for Assisted Living. I’m hands on concierge service, no fee to the families. Noone should do this alone.
Either one usually sparks comments-I went thru this with mom/dad. I wish I knew you then. My response is always-here’s my card maybe you have a friend who might need my help.
I like your introduction!
Very informative and helpful!
Well said and nicely positioned for referrals! How do I find someone like you in my area?
Bridget, excellent! Thank you for sharing and for helping others in a difficult and confusing time in their lives.
Excellent. I especially liked your “Basically, a real estate agent for Assisted Living” Very descriptive and speaks directly to what concerns people most about Assisted Living.
Valuable advise!
Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
Skin covers 90% of the body, let me be your personal consultant to help keep your in the best shape ever and I bring the products to you! Time and energy savers!
Remember you’re connecting for referrals and not selling to the person you’re talking to!
I provide full bookkeeping and payroll services, saving the average business $3500 and 120 hours per year. Let me take the stress and annoyance of monthly financial record keeping off your plate so you can spend more time doing what you do best!
This was quite insightful.
good informative msg
Hi, I’m Tiffany with Fur-Angel Foundation, a local non-profit dog rescue on the island of Oahu. We help families find their new best friend, while giving homeless dogs a second chance by finding them a forever home.
http://www.furangelfoundation.org
Short, precise& a last minute punch line.
Amazing information! My name is Tumelo from SafelyDube, your Health & Safety specialist, bringing relief to employers by simplifying compliance.
Such good advice. My intro is Hi, my name is Bill and
my goal is to help you be more better : )
Hi, My name is Guy, I’m a Commercial and investors Real Estate Agent im Israel, I help business people Buy or Sell commercial properties in Israel, And help Investors find real estate investments. My best referrals are business people who are looking for Commercial real estate for investment or personal use in Israel, hope I can help you too.
nice info
Many thanks Dr. Ivan Misner! This is great!
Very informative advise.
Effective conversation helps all parties in the event. Be purposeful and helpful. Excellent post
AGREED. Something we all probably know, but need to be reminded to implement
Hi! I’m Frank and I’m a “recovering” engineer. Over the last 25 years, I’ve developed a unique business growth system that flies in the face of traditional approaches. We focus on building the profit modelBEFORE growing revenue. If you just focus on building revenue with a weak profit model, you’ll turn into an over-caffeinated squirrel and
burn out. We tune the engine before we step on the gas. And high-profit model enterprise owners work less, make more money and don’t need to take out a second mortgage on their sanity. Know anyone who might benefit from this?
Hello, my name is Charlie. I represent Melaleuca, the Wellness Company, For 22 years, I help people, my age, live a healthier life now so that they can live their best life later. It’s now how long you live, it’s how you live long.
Hey, I’m Ronny with ENECO EAST! We are a commercial heating & air service and maintenance provider. I position people to take a PROACTIVE approach to protecting their business’s HVAC investment. What measures do YOU have in place to ensure YOUR workspace stays comfortable?
Ronny, loved the tag line on the end of your statement.
A great reminder
Good tips.
good info
great info!
Super informative, thank you
an effective message that is heard by others is must and great suggestion. If they know you and your services well they will refer you with apt connections. Key tool of good networker.
Hi, I’m, Andrea Greene with Belco Community Credit Union. We specialize in solving financial pain points for businesses by offering consultative help. We combine Big Bank features with the personalized touch of a small hometown concierge service.
Used Ask BNI for help.
Good Morning! I am Craig Hendrix with Best Hospice, your locally owned Hometown Hospice that goes beyond traditional care by truly walking alongside families during life’s most delicate moments. When compassion, comfort, and connection matter most, think Best Hospice!
Hi, Im Kathy Sterling, a mental health counselor helping Colorado and South Carolina residents. I help people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or not quite like themselves feel better, think clearer, and move forward.
Here is my card. Maybe you have a friend I can help.
https://www.kathysterling.com
For Realtors:
“Hi, I’m Bill Syddall, President of ALINK Insurance Services. We work closely with real estate professionals to ensure your clients have seamless, personalized insurance solutions for their new homes—often bundled with auto for added savings. I’m licensed in 17 states, with offices in Utah and Colorado, so we can support you and your clients across a wide footprint. Who’s your next closing with that could benefit from a fast, reliable insurance partner?”
For Mortgage Brokers:
“Hi, I’m Bill Syddall with ALINK Insurance Services. I help mortgage clients secure the right home insurance quickly and efficiently, so you never miss a closing due to insurance delays. We’re proactive with underwriting, and because I’m licensed in 17 states with offices in both Utah and Colorado, we can support a wide range of borrowers. Who are you pre-qualifying right now who might need a dependable insurance partner?”
For General Business Networking:
“Hi, I’m Bill Syddall, President of ALINK Insurance Services. We help families and small business owners protect what matters most through home, auto, life, and commercial insurance solutions. I’m licensed in 17 states and lead a team across Utah and Colorado, so we bring both regional and national flexibility to our clients. Who do you work with that might benefit from a second opinion on their coverage?”
Hi Bill. I loved how you have fine tuned your reponses according to the type of person you are networking with.
This is what I use for:
For New Homeowners
“Hi, I’m Vijay with Kavery Group of Companies. We work closely with new homeowners like you to ensure you have seamless, quality plumbing and water storage solutions for your new home. From durable PVC and UPVC pipes to various water tanks—overhead, underground, or compact loft—we offer everything you need, often bundled with sanitaryware and plumbing fixtures for added convenience. We’ve been in the market since 1979, stand by our products with a warranty, and are the highest-rated in our segment on Google Maps, so you can trust you’re making a smart investment. What part of setting up your new home are you most excited about, and how can we help ensure it’s built to last?”
For Architects
“Hi, I’m Vijay with Kavery Group of Companies. We help architects like you specify reliable and high-quality plumbing, electrical piping, and water storage systems quickly and efficiently, so your designs are executed with confidence. We’re proactive in offering a range of affordable to premium options, and with our deep market presence since 1979, we can support a wide range of project specifications. We also offer all ceramic sanitaryware and plumbing fixtures. Who are you designing for right now who might value a dependable partner for their pipe, tank, or plumbing needs?”
For Builders & Contractors
“Hi, I’m Vijay with Kavery Group of Companies. For over 45 years we have worked closely with builders and contractors to ensure seamless, quality pipe, tank, and plumbing solutions for projects—often providing comprehensive bundles for efficiency. We manufacture durable PVC, UPVC, and electrical pipes, and a wide array of water storage tanks. We’ve been a trusted name since 1979, stand by every product with a warranty, and are the highest-rated in our segment on Google Maps, so you can trust us for quality product, timely deliveries and reliable performance. Where’s your next project with that could benefit from a fast, reliable, and fairly-priced plumbing and storage partner?”
Great suggestions.
Hi, I’m Jennifer Sorbonne, a Certified Full Service Real Estate Professional specializing in helping commercial business owners and discerning buyers purchase, sell, or expand into luxury mountain and desert properties across Utah.
I work by referral, which allows me to focus deeply on each client’s unique vision. Whether you’re looking to build generational wealth through commercial real estate or find a retreat space to host family, friends, or transformational business gatherings, I guide you every step of the way with insight, integrity, and personal care.
very usefull
Hi I’m Joshua Lavender, former professional Baseball player and Savannah Banana. I enjoy giving my future clients the best experience possible through a crucial opportunity of creating generational wealth through Real Estate just as the Bananas would Say “Fans First.” I am proud to say, “Clients First”.
Love that everyone is so willing to support and help one another be better business professionals and solid referral partners across the nation.
Hi, I’m Shweta Sureka , A Professional Versatile Artist. I specialize in Dot Mandala , Lippan kaam ( mud & mirror work ) , texture art and Pichwai. From Walls to workshops and handpainted merchandise, you jave a lot to choose from. Transform your spaces with Art and let it reflect your personality !!
Ótima dica de como ser interessante mesmo e um curto momento!
Great Learning
Thank you ?
This post holds strong value as anytime you are speaking about what you do and who you are make it count – make a difference.
Ótimo!
Sempre me apresento falando que proporciono uma alimentação saudável e inclusiva para as pessoas! E logo reagem comentando: como assim, me conte mais! Então explico um pouco mais sobre meus produtos já que favo doces low carb, sem açúcar, sem lactose e sem glúten. E sobre as marmitas fit o quanto ajudo as pessoas a se alimentarem de forma mais saudável e equilibrada de forma rápida e prática, afinal, é só retirar do congelador a marmita e aquecer!
Obrigada pelos ensinamentos
Lido
Exceletes dicas!