A few months ago, I watched a young designer at a networking event nervously circle the coffee station. She rehearsed “So, what do you do?” at least four times before finally approaching a woman from a major firm. Five minutes later, they were laughing about their mutual obsession with mid-century chairs and talking about design philosophies, not just business cards. That’s the magic of genuine conversation, it starts with small talk but ends with possibility.
Practice conversation starters.
Think of conversation starters as your warm-up stretch before a workout. A few well-placed openers “What drew you to this field?” or “What’s been inspiring you lately?” can break the ice faster than a stiff “How’s work?” The goal isn’t perfection; it’s presence. When you come prepared with curiosity-fueled openers, you make it easier for both of you to relax and connect naturally.
Show genuine curiosity.
Curiosity is charisma in action. People can tell when you’re asking out of politeness versus true interest. Lean in, make eye contact, and listen to understand not to reply. Even a simple “That’s interesting tell me more about how that works” can shift a casual chat into a meaningful exchange. Curiosity keeps conversations alive, and it also makes you unforgettable.
Move from small talk to meaningful talk.
The best conversations evolve. You don’t have to force depth just follow the thread. If someone mentions a challenge, ask how they handled it. If they light up about a topic, stay there. Before long, you’re talking about values, goals, or lessons learned and that’s where authentic connection happens. Remember, it’s not about what you say; it’s about the feeling people leave with.
Whether it’s a networking event, a client meeting, or a quick chat in the hallway, every conversation holds potential. Practice your openers, stay curious, and follow the natural flow toward meaning. That’s how casual talk turns into collaboration and sometimes, opportunity knocks disguised as small talk.
#Blogboost# #HowToSucceedInAFailingWorld, #KeepLeading, #YourNextChapter,#AdvantaStrategies #StrategicThinking
Creating Connection: The overlooked power of eye contact
Eye contact is the designer’s secret to presence. It’s what transforms a presentation from mechanical to magnetic. Slides may show your ideas, but your eyes show your confidence and that’s what clients and audiences remember most.
Why Every Designer Should Practice Their Speech
In design, presentation is persuasion. When you practice speaking as much as sketching, you build trust, authority, and excitement around your ideas. A polished pitch can make the difference between a “maybe” and a “let’s do it.” Remember your voice is part of your professional toolkit. Use it well, and let it sell your vision as powerfully as your designs do.
NETWORKING …. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER
Networking is more about follow-up than first impressions.
2024 Thoughts for the New Year
On Monday mornings, Laura Dilling of Compass Coaching, leads "Power Half an Hour," at 9:00. She started this about a year ago. We check in with who is there and she share will a focus on a virtue.Laura's tagline is "new view – new you."This morning, our group...
Vision101
Blog "The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision." A quote by Washington Carver. Without vision you have limitations in purpose and personal growth. There is no growth without vision. Join me on Sat, Jan 20 for A vision board workshop,...
Purpose Driven
A purpose driven vision board- explore the possibilities.
A bit about Linda
Who am I?
As a businesswoman
I am an award-winning speaker, author, and business consultant/coach.
Grateful
A little bit of sleep goes a long way
Starting Again 2024
Happy New Year.
Question of the year 2024 – from 2023. What’s working for you?
I’m a list maker, so I’ll begin.
Working for me # 1 – Sleep Habit
I end every day writing a list, surprise, right? I write not just thinking about – it’s easy to go to bed and think oh, that went well or that was good. But writing it down and, in some cases, noting how that happened? When I write how I made that happen, I’m surprised to learn that I planted a seed a few days, weeks, or months ago, and the outcome started growing. The result is incredible, and I am grateful. The acknowledgment of that outcome is in my writing at night.
I write the three things I’m grateful for during the day. The results are fascinating.
1. Most importantly, I get a good night’s sleep. I haven’t stuffed my mind with useless trivia or negative thinking.
2. It helps me reflect on the things or circumstances I created to support that good part of the day and how I can repeat them.
Working for me #2 – Website Building
I am learning how to build my website again. Paul taught me in 2010 to develop my website from scratch. It served me well for many years. The new one is one in WordPress but with Elegant Themes and DIVI. I love it! I love working on it and figuring out the puzzle. Yes, it would be faster and easier if I hired someone to do that for me. But I’m not in a rush, and yet I am in a hurry. The joy of working on it outweighs the time it takes.
1. Learning Divi
2. Researching the best templates and methods of communication
Working for me #3 – Envisioning Possibilities
I have chosen a new set of words to define the purpose-driven vision workshop I’ve been doing for years. Although, many people find the terms interesting and exciting to follow, I was bored with the words.
I believe the concept is strong and still stands, but PDVB? Even the acronym looked stoggy.
Advanta Strategies is over 20 years old and it is my main business, this year I added a spark to it.
1. I purchased a new URL
2. Using Divi – created a website for people to sign up. www.envisioningpossibilities.com
Nice and helpful post. Thanks.