Once I get to know you, We might engage in thoughtful conversation -- maybe even joke around. Heck, we might even become good friends. But especially being a stronger introvert, I need to find some common ground with you, and get to know you first.
My professional career, however, involves talking to people I don't necessarily care to. So what the hell am I supposed to talk about...
The biggest conversation starter?
Weather.
Everyone sees it, and it's always different. Plus, it won't start any controversial discussions.
Some categories are naturally out of my league because I'm female (I'm not sexist, I'm frank); especially in a 40-something, male-dominated industry. Topics I usually avoid include: sports, hunting, politics and loose women.
I can sometimes discuss wine or food, but I'm no real aficionado. And, in-season, I might get by with a few comments about the Brewers or Packers -- but no lengthy discussions.
Sometimes I'll mention family -- but I don't have a husband or kids to compare stories and compete with, like every single other person. (Don't get me wrong. I DON'T WANT those stories. I'm almost 25, not 40.)
When I go to trade shows, I generally read up on whatever locale I might be headed to. This includes the local food, historical sites and keeping an ear out for interesting things happening in the news at the time. A huge topic was the Presidential election when I was in Vegas last month -- making a big exception to my previously stated rules.
It's a little easier on the phone. I worked in a call center for two years before my current job, so I learned how strike up brief conversations based on where the other person called from, like "Oh yeah, California? I hear those forest fires are getting a little wild." Or, "Wow, I heard some parts of Colorado got two feet of snow. Crazy!" But that's IT.
Now when I call a PR company, or someone to interview for a story, I try to make the introduction as quick as possible. After that, I tell them why I'm calling -- Send me a high-res image of your neat new product, or tell me about your magnificent tool box.
4 comments:
"tell me about your magnificent tool box. "
That's what she said.
Sounds like me at the bars in college. Sit there in a circle with my friends as they talked about sports, politics, news, etc. Of which I knew nothing about. I would just sit there and twiddle my thumbs, until I got bumped out of the circle. Then it was off to play foosball, or darts. This probably explains why I always need to be doing something at the bars to feel comfortable. Or that could just be my ADD.
I struggle with that as well...but, the more I'm in those situations, the better I'm getting at it... I still have a LONG way to go!
Trade shows are hands down my least favorite part of our job for this very reason. I feel your pain.
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