Great to see you this morning Connie, let’s grab a beverage, tea or coffee?

Coffee would be great, thanks. You know Charlie, I almost didn’t make it today. Just the thought of showing up to a room full of people I don’t know, the idea unsettles me.

Congratulations are due. Well done, Connie, my advice to you now is to simply ‘go with the flow’ after all, it won’t be long before you know … (let’s have a quick count) … seven women and eight men.

‘Go with the flow?’ you say, Charlie.

Let’s try and cure the anxiety, Connie.

‘Yes, it happens whenever I’m stepping out of my comfort zone. I have a terrible fear of being asked to describe myself and/or the business. I mean, I’m happy to have a conversation, it’s just …’

It seems you’re happier when you initiate the conversation. Here Connie, try this trick, open the conversation via the FORM guide.

‘The what?’

It goes something like this:

Hi, I’m Connie.  

Have you had to travel FAR to make the meeting this morning?

Who are you with? What’s the name of the ORGANISATION?

Is there any particular REASON you decided to come along today?

and in the unlikely event you’ve not kicked off the conversation, Connie … ask

What’s your MOTIVATION?

‘Thanks, Charlie, I’ll try that.’

We all need a conversation starter, Connie, especially when the situation requires you to engage with new faces. Stick to the FORM guide, to begin with, it won’t be too long before everyone will know your name and help you along. By then I’m sure you won’t need any help with the conversation starter.  Besides, if all else fails, simply smile!

‘People buy from people.’