What is a Successful Conversation? One that makes you feel better when you have completed it than before you had it. During these interesting economic times there is no better opportunity to practice engaging in conversations that matter. To guide the conversations toward possible positive action instead of dejection and brain-freeze follow this format.
1. Stop starting conversations with, “how is business going” or “how are things going”. If you are looking for company in your misery you will find it. However, that “comfort” will not get you one step closer to an attitude, resource or potential action to move you in the direction of your life goals. Instead open each conversation with everyone you meet with:
“Hi. How is it going in your world? Tell me something great that has happened in your life.”
2. Next, make a commitment to share the great things that are happening in your life – everything from wedding plans, to babies, to new client potential. Just keeping those types of things front of mind for yourself will help you see more of the good things in your life.
Of course, share something that happened in the last year you wish had gone better. Be short and to the point without drama…Leave out the “I don’t know if I’ll live long enough to recover” the “I did everything by the book and still got here” the “I got screwed and I’m pissed”….Say the negative thing as “oh, hum” as possible: I lost my life savings; I lost my business; I have gone from retired to unemployed!”
You get my general point. Where you put your energy is where you get your results.
3. Share something that warmed your heart since the last time you spoke to the person. Similar to the opening, and more focused. Talk about how you felt about these cool things. Example: “The day I told the TV hosts we gave the hotel back to the lender and had to relinquish our investment, the producer offered to work for me for free to attract TV and radio shows. I was stopped in my tracks with appreciation and awe.”
4. End with a request to the person, something that might help you move toward the life you desire. It can be as simple as “keep me in your positive thoughts” to a request to make some calls to get you an interview for a job.
5. Then for fun Answer the following question…A year from now I will be sharing with you this terrific news… Fill in the blank and create a wonderful Happy Up day.
