HOW CHANCE CONVERSATIONS BRING OPPORTUNITIES!

Daniel Pink, the author of To Sell is Human” surveyed 9000+ professionals and leaders and asked them how much of their time is spent in persuading and non-sales selling.

The answer was 40%

That is 24 minutes of every hour!

And if like me you have a pre-schooler, that percentage is way higher. Basically, we all need to learn the art of non-sales selling. And honestly, we have multiple opportunities throughout our day to have these conversations

For jobseekers, there are 2 specific everyday conversations that can open doors to much more impactful conversations.

Scenario 1:

You are meeting someone who asks, “What do you do?”

Most of us respond with “I work with Google”, “I work with J&J” Or if you are working for a smaller organization – “I work with a start-up in XYZ space”

The person has the option of talking about your company – that is what your hook is.

Now, consider taking it one level up

“I work in media partnerships within Google”, “I work in research for skincare products in J&J” etc

Do you see the difference?

Some people may still be interested in the company you work for but you are also giving the option of being interested in your work.

This is basically your elevator pitch converted into a conversation – how it needs to be.

Scenario 2:

“How are you?”

Majority of us just end up saying – Good, Fine etc

Let’s just take it up one level:

“I am quite excited about….” “I am exhausted because…” And follow it up with “Anyway, enough about me. How are things with you?”

Again, there is a chance that the other person gives an awkward smile and replies with a good. But there is also a big chance that the person enquires about whatever you want to open the conversation on.

This one works better with people who you have known for a while and want to focus the conversation on a particular topic.

I am sure that you have heard from people how a chance conversation or meeting led to a great opportunity in their life. This happens only when we know how to consistently throw a little bit of information to get people’s attention!

Only when they get curious and ask further questions, we elaborate (otherwise you will get the reputation for being a self-absorbed person).

Let’s start creating those chance encounters that can change the trajectory of your job search and career.