Careful what you say.

Social: Ask for Referrals • I’d like to find someone who’s interested in hiking or who has info on hiking groups. Do you know whether anyone here can help me? • Do you know anyone here who’s also new to this area? • I’m going to look for someone interested in volunteer activities. • Who do you know that might enjoy watching the New York Giants game

the benefit of the doubt

The best dating advice I’ve heard lately is from a man who never asks for a date the first time he calls or e-mails. He exercises patience and waits until the second or third contact. Even then, he tries to suggest something that he might do with any friend, like a bike ride or a gallery tour. This approach takes a little longer, but it builds real

Describe some of the challenges of your profession. • What will be the coming trends in your business? • What ways have you found to be the most effective in promoting your business? • Tell me about your most important work experience. • What advice would you give someone just starting out in your business? • What one thing would you do if you knew

May I ask your name? Permission is not necessary to ask someone’s name! Instead: What is your name?

is always preferable to have the other party repeat it than to fake it. Never, ever fake it! This is especially true if, for example, you run into someone you’ve met previously whose name you cannot recall as you

Use small talk as a picture frame around business conversations. Begin and end with small talk

History Lessons