Please Watch What You Say When Networking!!!!

When we attend Networking Events, a sure fire way to turn off a potential new client is to start talking about politics. Sure, you may know everyone’s name in the House of Representatives and you can even list off every bill they’ve ever voted on, but the minute you start expressing opinions, you may as well put your coat on, go home and kiss that prospect you were talking to goodbye. You may get lucky and find out that you and the prospect have the same views, but is that a risk you’re willing to take? Not me. I stay as far away from politics as I can.

As a matter of fact, some people will try to rope you in. They do a little fishing. They might drop a negative comment here and a sarcastic comment there related to politics. Don’t take the bait. If you feel like you’re in a position where you have to give some kind of an answer, say “Hmmm, that’s a very interesting point. I usually try to not let politics bother me one way or another, so I don’t really have much of an opinion one way or the other.” Then try to change the subject.

But please, please make sure you don’t change the subject to sex. Yes, there are a lot of funny things you can say and share about sex, but many people find any talk about sex offensive, even when it’s meant to be light and funny. Memorize a few clean jokes. Everybody likes to laugh. Even the biggest sour puss enjoys a good laugh. If that sour puss is your prospect, and you make them laugh, BINGO! You may have hit a home run right then and there. But do not talk about sex and do not talk about politics. While we’re at it, let’s stay away from talking about religion too.

joe@joenovara.com

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