If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to people in network marketing without feeling awkward or salesy, this is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever learned.
And surprisingly, it has nothing to do with talking about your business.
Years ago, when I was with Pure Romance, I took a training taught by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love.
Of all the things I’ve learned about talking to people over the years, there’s one thing from that training I’ve never forgotten.
Instead of asking someone you just met:
“Hey, how are you?”
Ask them:
“What are you most excited about right now?”
I tried it.
And WOW… it works.
Why This Conversation Starter Works
Think about the typical conversation:
“How are you?”
“Good. You?”
“Good.”
Conversation over. 😂
We ask “How are you?” so often that most of us have an automatic answer for it.
But ask someone what they’re excited about right now, and something completely different happens.
People light up.
Suddenly, they’re telling you about their upcoming vacation.
Their kids.
A new job.
A project they’re working on.
A goal they’re trying to reach.
Something happening in their business.
Something they can’t wait to do.
Now you’re not making small talk.
You’re having a real conversation.
And more importantly, you’re making a real connection.
Stop Trying to Lead With Your Business
This is one of my favorite network marketing conversation tips, especially for people who feel uncomfortable approaching new people.
You don’t have to immediately figure out how to bring up your company.
You don’t need the perfect script.
And you definitely don’t need to turn every person you meet into a prospect.
Instead:
Get interested in them first.
Listen.
Ask questions.
Be curious.
That’s also one of the reasons I prefer building a network marketing business without constantly chasing friends and family. [Read my post about building a network marketing business without chasing people here.]
When your goal is simply to connect with another person, conversations become a whole lot easier.
Relationship Building Comes Before Selling
People can usually tell when someone is talking to them only because they want to make a sale or recruit them.
That’s uncomfortable for both people.
But genuine curiosity feels completely different.
And if the conversation eventually leads to what you do?
Great.
If it doesn’t?
That’s okay too.
You still had a good conversation and made a connection with another human being.
If you’re newer to the industry, I also put together a guide on [network marketing for beginners and simple ways to start online] that goes deeper into building your business without making everything complicated.
Try This Network Marketing Conversation Tip This Week
Here’s your challenge.
Ask ONE person:
“What are you most excited about right now?”
Then listen to the answer.
Don’t immediately look for an opening to pitch your business.
Just have the conversation.
You might be surprised by what happens.
Honestly?
You may never want to ask “How are you?” again.
Talk soon,
Laura Saxx
P.S. One of the ways I keep learning is by listening to network marketing and business podcasts. But I’m always looking for good recommendations. What are you listening to lately?
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