Sales Skills / Make the First Contact Count / Lesson 25

LESSON 25 · MAKE THE FIRST CONTACT COUNT

Start a Chat at an Event

Practical ways to start a friendly chat at an event, even if you are shy and know no one.

One easy hello is all you need. Everyone is hoping someone will talk to them.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

26 tips that really help

These ideas come from Fanatical Prospecting (Jeb Blount), Cold Calling Techniques (Stephan Schiffman), The Little Red Book of Selling (Jeffrey Gitomer), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

TIP 1

Most people feel awkward too

Even confident people feel a little nervous at events, so an easy, friendly hello is usually welcome.

TRY THIS
Remind yourself that others feel the same.

TIP 2

Arrive early

Fewer people are there, rooms are quieter and it is much easier to start a conversation.

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Aim to arrive ten minutes before the start.

TIP 3

Set a small goal

Decide to have two or three real conversations rather than meeting everyone.

TRY THIS
Write your target on a card.

TIP 4

Look for people alone

Someone standing alone is often relieved when you walk over and say hello.

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Choose one such person first.

TIP 5

Join small groups

A group of three is easier to enter than a pair deep in conversation.

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Approach a group that seems open.

TIP 6

Use the drinks or food area

People pause there, and shared surroundings give you easy topics.

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Start a chat about the food.

TIP 7

Start with an easy question

“What brought you here today?” is natural and works almost every time.

TRY THIS
Prepare two easy openers.

TIP 8

Ask open questions

Questions that begin with what or how invite more than a one-word answer.

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Turn one yes or no question into an open one.

TIP 9

Listen more than you talk

Interested listeners are remembered fondly, and listening takes the pressure off you.

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Aim to speak about a third of the time.

TIP 10

Use their name

Repeating a name once helps you remember it and makes them feel noticed.

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Repeat it right after you hear it.

TIP 11

Share a little about yourself

A small personal detail invites them to share back and builds rapport.

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Prepare one light fact.

TIP 12

Look for common ground

Shared interests, shared challenges or shared contacts make talk flow.

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Listen for one thing in common.

TIP 13

Be positive

A warm, upbeat tone is attractive, while complaints about the event bring the mood down.

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Find something good to say about the venue.

TIP 14

Notice body language

Open stance and eye contact tell you whether someone is happy to talk.

TRY THIS
Watch for friendly signals before approaching.

TIP 15

Introduce people to each other

Connecting two people is a generous act and gives you a role.

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Introduce one pair tonight.

TIP 16

Take a break when you need one

Stepping outside for a minute can restore your energy.

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Plan a short breather.

TIP 17

Have an exit line ready

Knowing how to leave politely makes starting easier.

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Practise “It was lovely meeting you.”

TIP 18

Collect contacts selectively

A few good connections beat a pocketful of cards.

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Aim for three.

TIP 19

Write notes soon after

A short note about each person helps follow-up.

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Jot details on the back of the card.

TIP 20

Follow up within a day

A prompt, friendly message turns a meeting into a relationship.

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Send it tomorrow morning.

TIP 21

Suggest a coffee

A simple invitation to talk more deepens the connection.

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Offer one coffee this week.

TIP 22

Connect online afterwards

A short note with the connection request helps them recall you.

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Mention where you met.

TIP 23

Share something useful

A relevant article or introduction is a lovely follow-up.

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Choose one item to send.

TIP 24

Volunteer at the event

Helping at a desk gives you a natural reason to talk to everyone.

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Offer to help.

TIP 25

Reflect afterwards

Noting what worked builds confidence for next time.

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Write one thing you did well.

TIP 26

Be patient with yourself

Skills in conversation grow with practice.

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Aim for one event a month.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

OPEN

“Hi, I am Sam. What brought you here today?”

ASK

“What do you do when you are not at events like this?”

“This is my first time here, so I am still finding my feet.”

JOIN

“Mind if I join you?”

EXIT

“It was great chatting. I will say hello to a few others.”

“May I send you that article tomorrow?”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Arrive ten minutes early

DAY 2
Say hello to one person standing alone

DAY 3
Ask one open question

DAY 4
Exchange contact details with one person

DAY 5
Write notes after you leave

DAY 6
Send two follow-up messages

DAY 7
Plan your next event

More lessons in “Make the First Contact Count”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

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