How to have better business conversations
Are you the kind of person that cringes at the thought of going to business networking events because you are tired of traditional networking and awkward conversations? You often feel like you are wasting your time and talking to the wrong people. Do you feel conversations can be hard to start? Are you seeking quality connections and to grow your opportunities?
In this blog we will help you to improve your conversations and understand that conversations that go deeper then “What do you do?” will improve your outcomes and illustrate the benefit of meeting up with likeminded others.
Access knowledge and opportunities
For 9 years, Your Time Matters has been running events for men and women. We believe there is enormous value in expanding our networks and being open to different perspectives and work experiences
Our community has over 400 years of experience to share.
We ran our first event back in 2013, and we have drawn entrepreneurs, business owners, together to connect, learn and find the support and opportunities needed to grow a business.
Since March 2020, we added online events and workshops to our offering. Not all our members have their own business. Some are professionals who are considering building a consultancy business, or are in charge of business development for their organisation and have benefited from the access to knowledge and conversations with mature business owners who have had different experiences from which they can at an affordable price.
Our effective, facilitated, yet relaxed formula saves precious time and money by blending together learning, networking and quality conversations. Making sure you set aside time EVERY month to work ON your business, not just IN your business.
Understanding the value of conversations
What we have witnessed time and time again is that many people think everybody sees the world the same way, as they do. This is not the case. Each one of us, operates with our own filters. Being aware of this will help us to have more positive interaction with others and build rapport and trust more quickly.
Once you understand that we communicate in many ways, you are better equipped . Our body language and listening skills are integral in our interactions with others and it is important to recognise the various levels and to practice identifying and expanding skills across the various levels in order to engage effectively with clients, suppliers, referrers and friends.
Doing business is a by-product of good relationships and conversations
During lockdown, our founder Kerryn Powell, created the “Conversations Count” game which was an extension of the playing cards she designed some years back that help us form stronger relationships and conversations.
Kerryn had found from her own experience, that at many business events there is limited time to have conversations and generally they are Level one and seeking leads as people seek the next transaction, rather than playing a longer, more fruitful game.
At our events , whether in-person or online, deeper conversations are prompted and encouraged . We know that is how “magic” and synergy are uncovered and business opportunities appear.
Kerryn says “ Once you hone your skills, you can apply them to any conversation you have, and no longer have to rely on attending a business networking event to prospect but can gain so much more from talking business with likeminded others and sharing knowledge and experience.”
Invest time to be curious and explore
Business owners and professionals who are curious and invest the time to explore and explain the value they create for others in their business, will sharpen their skills and:
boost their confidence
learn to better articulate their value
can seek feedback on their ideas
manage challenges, reframed from experiences of others
better understand the needs of others and how they may be able to provide the solution
and, provide opportunity to listen and learn from other business owners as they do the same.
You’ll find that just by asking and answering questions and engaging in authentic conversations, you not only clarify your own value and challenge your thinking, but also generate thought-provoking conversations that feel natural from the start and will continue long after the event.
We have witnessed and experienced that having the right conversations with the right people, helps you learn, grow and achieve.
Relationships grow, as conversations and trust evolve.
Potential to learn and grow your business
Insights and practical tips on relevant business issues are a major component of all the YTM Business Connect formats, in order that our members and attendees to make the most of the time they invest.
YTM events are not at all transactional, yet the potential to create referral is excellent as participants look to grow their businesses and themselves. Substantial closed business has been achieved organically.
Be inspired, gain confidence and motivation to take the steps you need to grow your business. Our loyal and friendly community make even the shyest person feel welcome and comfortable, and there are no awkward moments!
You will be surprised how much you gain simply by having better and deeper conversations with people in similar situations to you.
Why not purchase your own set of Conversation Cards to practice in your own time. Read More HERE.
Hello, we are Kerryn and Leigh Powell.
Kerryn originally founded YTM in 2010 and we have evolved into a business community where we provide support, knowledge, and facilitated conversations without pressure to perform. Would you like to become a member of our community? Take advantage of the YTM Member Starter Pack.
We look forward connecting with you. We know that when you learn how to better connect through purposeful conversations you will see a positive impact on your business.
Your business will benefit from your increased confidence, improved conversational skills, access to support, focus on business strategy and the opportunity to share knowledge and experience with like minded business owners and professionals. See for yourself; transactions flow from transformation and relationships are the key! If you would like to receive updates on our events, connect with us via our LinkedIn Company page
If you would like to join us at coming events, either online or in person please see details www.yourtimematters.com.au or follow us on social media.
