The big problem to overcome to creating a network of quality connections, is reaching out to people that are different than you or what service you offer. If they were just like you why would you need them? Generally, it’s easy to meet and find others that are in your same career and general lifestyle.

1. Get good at remembering names

It really goes a long way the second time you meet someone when you remember them. Think of how good you’d feel if a stranger you met a week ago introduced you to a friend seamlessly. Some ideas to remember names easily?

• Repeat a person's name three times in the conversation
• Tie your first meeting experience to their name (ex. Mike the Mechanic at Michelin Tire)

2. Have a set of go-to questions

The questions should be easy for people to answer and give them room to expand on themselves. Brainstorm ideas of questions you would like to be asked. I often ask people what they “do” first and am able to gauge their enthusaism for their job. Think about your go-to questions as planting a seed to building a relationship. A few ways to measure the direction of your conversation;

• Tone in their voice (are they excited or exasperated?)
• Non-verbals (when people are comfortable, they interact more with their body movements)

3. Don’t talk about yourself too much

When people want to know more about you, they will go out of their way to ask. If you want to get to know people and add them to a good useable network, you need to find out all about them.

Hold yourself accountable to dedicate this time to them, as you will be rewarded so much more than if you would simply tell them about yourself. 

 If you are stuck in a conversation, try using the improv tool "Yes, and...", following up with an inquiry about what your connection just said. Also, be genuinely interested! There a billions of unique people within the world with a story to tell. 

Click through to read more ways to gain leads with our case study.