33 answers
Yew Kin
Student
Singapore
5
Questions
Updated
3883 views
How to engage in a conversation with a recipient that only gives one-word answers?
I would break the ice when starting conversations with new connections by asking "How have they been coping during the COVID 19 situation?" etc.
Many gave me generic answers like, "I'm good, how are you?" (Seems like I'm the only one invested in the conversation)
I find it much easier to continue a conversation when the person replies something like, "I've been great! My company has been shifting our operations online and have adopted the use of a new software......."
#sales #conversation #networking
33 answers
Amanda Tice
Commercial Sales Specialist
6
Answers
Seminole, Florida
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Become a master of open ended questions. If you ask the right questions, you'll get the recipient to open up.
Lindsey Breer
Customer Account Manager
6
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
If you have a chance, try to do a little research before you speak with someone. For example, see if you can find out where they went to college, where they live, or what they like to do. From there, ask a question that is personally tailored to your recipient. For example, if they live in FL and you have been to FL before, mention something specific about the area. This helps build rapport in a natural way and helps alleviate awkward introductions! Good luck!
Aaron Fernandes
Project Management
5
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
Amazing question, Yew Lin, and to be completely honest with you, I was this kid in school. I wasn't very keen on the idea of counseling let alone sharing my thoughts with a stranger. My recommendation for you is to first do some background research. Figure out ways that you can connect with the person, whether that be a similar interests, hobbies, food, connections, etc. Rather than posing as more professional, work on developing a relationship where the person can look for you to support and be more open. Additionally, rather than asking direct questions, ask open ended questions that require an answer more than "good." Hopefully these strategies help, and I'd love to hear if they do or don't work, and happy to provide more insight either way. Keep me updated!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Talking to strangers is difficult. Actually, the response, "I'm good, how are you?" isn't a bad one. Conversations build over time. So, your next statement/question could reveal more about yourself, and then, they might reveal more about themselves. For example, if I was playing your part, I might say something like, "I'm good, but then, I live alone. I can't imagine how people with large families are dealing with this. I'd go bonkers if I was locked up with my family!" Or, "I'm doing good, but I can't get my 84 year old mom to stay home. She keeps finding excuses to run to the store."
The example you gave, sounds like you possibly expect positivity in the response. But, the human condition often is not positive. People are trying to cope; some are doing better than others. In my first example, talking about people in general, it allows the conversation to shift to the general situation, and talking about people in general, rather than expecting the person to actually divulge information about himself to me, a complete stranger! (but, leaves open that possibility, say, if he lives with family, he is free to volunteer that if he so chooses.) In my second example, talking about my mom, allows the conversation to shift to ME, rather than making him feel that he has to talk about himself. However, he is free to do so if he wants, so, he could volunteer that he is having trouble getting his grandparents to voluntarily quarantine.
Another idea is to try a different topic! The pandemic is affecting people in many different ways, and, there are lots of differences of opinion as to what is the correct way the government should be handling it. So, when he says, "I'm good, how are you?" You could say, "I'm good, but because we are working from home, my dog is getting totally spoiled, and it's going to break his heart when we go back to work." Dogs!!! Everyone loves dogs! Always a great conversation! "You have a dog!? What kind is it? How old is he?"
See where this is going? Don't expect complete strangers to open up to you! Dogs, sports, weather. . . Find something to discuss that isn't personal!
Also realize you have no idea what someone is coping with. So, be prepared for some pretty heavy responses. My dog was diagnosed with cancer right when the pandemic started. I took him to the Emergency Room, an oncologist, and a radiation treatment vet, NONE of whom I ever got to meet face to face. I had to wait outside! It was stressful! If I were to tell you that story, are you prepared to deal with it? That's why it's better to try to keep it light!
Hopefully something I've said will help you as you re-evaluate how to approach strangers. Don't give up! It takes a lot of practice! If you are not at work, and just out and about, you could also find that wearing a particular t-shirt or baseball cap helps pave the way. A particular band or sports team, for example. Good luck!
Kim
The example you gave, sounds like you possibly expect positivity in the response. But, the human condition often is not positive. People are trying to cope; some are doing better than others. In my first example, talking about people in general, it allows the conversation to shift to the general situation, and talking about people in general, rather than expecting the person to actually divulge information about himself to me, a complete stranger! (but, leaves open that possibility, say, if he lives with family, he is free to volunteer that if he so chooses.) In my second example, talking about my mom, allows the conversation to shift to ME, rather than making him feel that he has to talk about himself. However, he is free to do so if he wants, so, he could volunteer that he is having trouble getting his grandparents to voluntarily quarantine.
Another idea is to try a different topic! The pandemic is affecting people in many different ways, and, there are lots of differences of opinion as to what is the correct way the government should be handling it. So, when he says, "I'm good, how are you?" You could say, "I'm good, but because we are working from home, my dog is getting totally spoiled, and it's going to break his heart when we go back to work." Dogs!!! Everyone loves dogs! Always a great conversation! "You have a dog!? What kind is it? How old is he?"
See where this is going? Don't expect complete strangers to open up to you! Dogs, sports, weather. . . Find something to discuss that isn't personal!
Also realize you have no idea what someone is coping with. So, be prepared for some pretty heavy responses. My dog was diagnosed with cancer right when the pandemic started. I took him to the Emergency Room, an oncologist, and a radiation treatment vet, NONE of whom I ever got to meet face to face. I had to wait outside! It was stressful! If I were to tell you that story, are you prepared to deal with it? That's why it's better to try to keep it light!
Hopefully something I've said will help you as you re-evaluate how to approach strangers. Don't give up! It takes a lot of practice! If you are not at work, and just out and about, you could also find that wearing a particular t-shirt or baseball cap helps pave the way. A particular band or sports team, for example. Good luck!
Kim
Suddhasattwa Das
Career Coach, Friend, Guide
38
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Suddhasattwa’s Answer
Hi YKL,
You are not alone and I have battled this past 16 years in my sales career converting many introverts into advocates. Yes you can also do it but it needs a lot of physiology studies and must read a book of Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People. Its a book of 1936 but still works like a bible.
Understanding other people isn’t easy, because we view the world through our own filters and assume that if we do something a certain way, then it must be good for everybody, which is a big blunder and we lose trust easily and hard to recover. So don't try to fix which is not broken but try few of these below:
1. Find, Learn and analyze what makes them interested (do a social search on them, topics they hit likes/shared)
2. Learn the brands they follow, wear, car they drive - ask recommendations
3. Dip-checks with all questions and spot his/her point of interest and do a double-click on it
4. Some dont like small talks with strangers so avoid those
5. Offer them on any ongoing issue in his job to earn his trust and strengthen your relationship
6. By chance they start to speak - never interrupt them, acknowledge them and ask follow up questions and converse enough for them to associate you with this memory of conversation/topic.
7. Dont force them to be extrovert, there are reasons why they are as this. Allow them time to respond to your messages/mails.
8. Few introverts are over cautious about their appearance or other party's appearance, smell or body language so focus on non-verbal communication, avoid eye contact and focus on the drawing on the desk about your plan and ask how they feel about it, get opinions - it make them feel valued though being introverts.
There's a long list actually and its totally experimental based, there is no single yard stick to measure them and fix it. So practice and practice.
Good luck on your pursuit
Let us know how it helps.
~suddho
You are not alone and I have battled this past 16 years in my sales career converting many introverts into advocates. Yes you can also do it but it needs a lot of physiology studies and must read a book of Dale Carnegie - How to Win Friends and Influence People. Its a book of 1936 but still works like a bible.
Understanding other people isn’t easy, because we view the world through our own filters and assume that if we do something a certain way, then it must be good for everybody, which is a big blunder and we lose trust easily and hard to recover. So don't try to fix which is not broken but try few of these below:
1. Find, Learn and analyze what makes them interested (do a social search on them, topics they hit likes/shared)
2. Learn the brands they follow, wear, car they drive - ask recommendations
3. Dip-checks with all questions and spot his/her point of interest and do a double-click on it
4. Some dont like small talks with strangers so avoid those
5. Offer them on any ongoing issue in his job to earn his trust and strengthen your relationship
6. By chance they start to speak - never interrupt them, acknowledge them and ask follow up questions and converse enough for them to associate you with this memory of conversation/topic.
7. Dont force them to be extrovert, there are reasons why they are as this. Allow them time to respond to your messages/mails.
8. Few introverts are over cautious about their appearance or other party's appearance, smell or body language so focus on non-verbal communication, avoid eye contact and focus on the drawing on the desk about your plan and ask how they feel about it, get opinions - it make them feel valued though being introverts.
There's a long list actually and its totally experimental based, there is no single yard stick to measure them and fix it. So practice and practice.
Good luck on your pursuit
Let us know how it helps.
~suddho
Carlotta Rickert
11
Answers
Updated
Carlotta’s Answer
Hi Yew. Its best to do research on the person/company before you engage in conversation.
Have a clear objective/outcome in mind that you want to achieve from the call. Also, be aware of the person's position... i.e. for C-Level, you want to ask strategic, visionary-related questions as opposed to other positions which may be more tactical. Be sure to ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest and enthusiasm. "Tell me about xxxx" What keeps you up at night" "How can I help".
Have a clear objective/outcome in mind that you want to achieve from the call. Also, be aware of the person's position... i.e. for C-Level, you want to ask strategic, visionary-related questions as opposed to other positions which may be more tactical. Be sure to ask open-ended questions and show genuine interest and enthusiasm. "Tell me about xxxx" What keeps you up at night" "How can I help".
Greta Rossmeissl
2
Answers
Updated
Greta’s Answer
Open-ended questions are definitely the way to go to avoid yes/no answers, but pre-call research can help a lot too. If you do some preliminary googling about the customer you're calling/their industry/their competitors etc. you will have plenty of open ended questions and insights about a topic of interest to them and will likely get much farther in conversation.
Staci Tipton
1
Answer
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Staci’s Answer
Start practicing the art of asking open-ended questions.
Lilian Schaffer, MBA, ITIL
Account Executive
4
Answers
Weston, Florida
Updated
Lilian’s Answer
It is easier to engage with people you have something in common. Before talking with a person try to do some research on where they live, jobs they had, schools, activities. For business linked in is a good source.
Try to talk about some of these areas. When a person likes something, they usually like to talk about it.
This is a good way to break the ice.
if you want to get some information try to do open questions that give the opportunity to elaborate.
Try to talk about some of these areas. When a person likes something, they usually like to talk about it.
This is a good way to break the ice.
if you want to get some information try to do open questions that give the opportunity to elaborate.
Dawn Cordero
Chief of Staff
58
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Dawn’s Answer
Hi - I would say repour building is a huge help in this type of situation, the ability to make a personal connection / come across as human makes it much easier for people to open up to you. See where you have common interest. You can also use open ended question.
Cindy Shelton
Sales Manager
5
Answers
Merrick, New York
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Do your research on the person you're calling. LinkedIn can be helpful or just use Google Search. Use some knowledge as an icebreaker or relationship builder. Always ask "open ended" questions.
Some examples to start with could be; "tell me about.....", "what are your thoughts on.....", "how do you......". Start the conversation off with a purpose statement that's important to the person you're talking to.
Some examples to start with could be; "tell me about.....", "what are your thoughts on.....", "how do you......". Start the conversation off with a purpose statement that's important to the person you're talking to.
Itai Gerchikov
Sales
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Itai’s Answer
Great Question! Its always challenging when a prospect is reluctant to provide context or details. Something I like to do before every conversation is set an 'Upfront Agreement' (UFA). A UFA will sound something like "Hey, before we dive in to our discussion today, I'd like to understand your challenges and how they affect your business/day to day/etc. Would that be alright if we spent the first half of our conversation going through that?'
If your prospect accepts this request, you've established a level playing field and expectation of what you are here to discuss. (If your prospect denies your request, you should tell them that you 'understand and are looking forward to having this conversation when it becomes a priority)
Once in a level playing field with your prospect, dig for the why in conversations by asking open ended questions. "How has COVID-19 affected your business" "What have you done to adjust" "If you don't do something, what will that cost you?" "Where does think rank among your priorities" instead of "has COVID 19 affected your business" "Is this a priority".
Set UFAs and be curious. Drive towards the Why. Good Luck!
If your prospect accepts this request, you've established a level playing field and expectation of what you are here to discuss. (If your prospect denies your request, you should tell them that you 'understand and are looking forward to having this conversation when it becomes a priority)
Once in a level playing field with your prospect, dig for the why in conversations by asking open ended questions. "How has COVID-19 affected your business" "What have you done to adjust" "If you don't do something, what will that cost you?" "Where does think rank among your priorities" instead of "has COVID 19 affected your business" "Is this a priority".
Set UFAs and be curious. Drive towards the Why. Good Luck!
Azrin A
2
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Azrin’s Answer
Networking is a powerful tool. The trick is to find some common ground. In a business setting:
1. Start with your name and organization
2. Make a comment about the event you are at or the setting you are both in e.g. "That was an interesting presentation, I found the [comment] on [topic] thought provoking.
3. This gives the other person an opportunity to respond
4. Find out about who will be speaking to beforehand, to find common ground for conversation starters - e.g. university, where they grew up, a mutual contact, similar career background
5. Listen attentively, maintain eye contact, smile, acknowledge their views either with a nod, "That's interesting", or offer a comment of your own where you feel comfortable
I would start with something neutral. A "how are you coping during the Covid situation" may come across as too personal for many. Open that up only after a few neutral conversation starters.
Hope this helps!
1. Start with your name and organization
2. Make a comment about the event you are at or the setting you are both in e.g. "That was an interesting presentation, I found the [comment] on [topic] thought provoking.
3. This gives the other person an opportunity to respond
4. Find out about who will be speaking to beforehand, to find common ground for conversation starters - e.g. university, where they grew up, a mutual contact, similar career background
5. Listen attentively, maintain eye contact, smile, acknowledge their views either with a nod, "That's interesting", or offer a comment of your own where you feel comfortable
I would start with something neutral. A "how are you coping during the Covid situation" may come across as too personal for many. Open that up only after a few neutral conversation starters.
Hope this helps!
This doesn't directly answer the student's question. It seems like they are having a hard time starting conversations with new connections. How do you break the ice with new clients?
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Lindsey John
Customer Success, Customer Retention
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
There are many reasons why the person you're conversing with is only giving one-word answers, but usually, it's because they're not interested in what you're speaking about.
This is a great opportunity to ask them open-ended questions about what they ARE interested in. Depending on your industry, questions can look like this:
- What are the biggest challenges your department/company face?
- What are bottlenecks in your workflows?
- What matters to you?
- How do you quantify success?
These are just a few.
This is a great opportunity to ask them open-ended questions about what they ARE interested in. Depending on your industry, questions can look like this:
- What are the biggest challenges your department/company face?
- What are bottlenecks in your workflows?
- What matters to you?
- How do you quantify success?
These are just a few.
Greta Rossmeissl
Sales
6
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Greta’s Answer
Position questions so that “Yes” and “No” are not an option.
When do you think you might assess your solutions in outside-training vendors?
• What do you think about our offer so far?
• How should we move forward after today?
• Which area about our product do you still have questions about?
• What’s your budget?
When do you think you might assess your solutions in outside-training vendors?
• What do you think about our offer so far?
• How should we move forward after today?
• Which area about our product do you still have questions about?
• What’s your budget?
Erik Maroney
Enterprise Sales Leader
14
Answers
Updated
Erik’s Answer
Hi Yew,
This is a great question. Spend time doing research on both the company and the person you are calling.
- Personal research: you will want to find information that will allow you to relate to the person on a personal or professional level. For example, you can use LinkedIn.com to research where the person went to school, what personal or professional groups/ orgs they belong to, who you may know in common, etc. You can use this information to craft more engaging questions - preferably open ended (questions that can't be answered with Yes or No).
- Company research: you can find information about the company and their initiatives by reviewing their Annual Report (if public). You can identify their key initiative for investment, financial health, etc. You can use this information to align their initiatives to your products or services. You can then ask questions (again, open ended) that will spur a conversation around those initiatives. MicroFocus
This is a great question. Spend time doing research on both the company and the person you are calling.
- Personal research: you will want to find information that will allow you to relate to the person on a personal or professional level. For example, you can use LinkedIn.com to research where the person went to school, what personal or professional groups/ orgs they belong to, who you may know in common, etc. You can use this information to craft more engaging questions - preferably open ended (questions that can't be answered with Yes or No).
- Company research: you can find information about the company and their initiatives by reviewing their Annual Report (if public). You can identify their key initiative for investment, financial health, etc. You can use this information to align their initiatives to your products or services. You can then ask questions (again, open ended) that will spur a conversation around those initiatives. MicroFocus
Claire Dickson
Sales
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hi there,
One word answers are tough to deal with, and any salesperson has had situations where they need to navigate through that. The first suggestion I'd make is to make sure you're being cognizant of the types of questions you're asking -- make sure they're open ended, not yes or no response type questions. I'd also think about the time we're in and how many of a specific type of question this person hears -- for example, I'd imagine most people get the question of how they're coping during COVID multiple times a day, and it can be a sensitive topic (you never know what someone is going through!) so maybe try something different. I'd do research on your prospect before the call and try to pick out something from their LinkedIn interests or background to ask about to break the ice, and then take it from there!
Hope this is helpful.
One word answers are tough to deal with, and any salesperson has had situations where they need to navigate through that. The first suggestion I'd make is to make sure you're being cognizant of the types of questions you're asking -- make sure they're open ended, not yes or no response type questions. I'd also think about the time we're in and how many of a specific type of question this person hears -- for example, I'd imagine most people get the question of how they're coping during COVID multiple times a day, and it can be a sensitive topic (you never know what someone is going through!) so maybe try something different. I'd do research on your prospect before the call and try to pick out something from their LinkedIn interests or background to ask about to break the ice, and then take it from there!
Hope this is helpful.
Doug Patel
Sales
9
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Doug’s Answer
As most have mentioned ask opened ended questions, do research on the person, genuinely be interested in them and the business.
Also conversation and trust come with time and rapport. Provide some value to the customer before asking things in return.
Also conversation and trust come with time and rapport. Provide some value to the customer before asking things in return.
Britney Tello-Cordova
Onboarding Specialist
1
Answer
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Britney’s Answer
Building a meaningful relationship helps a lot when networking. Avoid open ended questions where they can answer yes, no, or one word answers. I have listed below some of the tips I have used to build my networking skills.
1. Listen intently to what the other individual is saying. Sometimes this can give you information about them on likes, dislikes, and interests. This also shows them you are interested in what they have to say.
2. Ask follow up questions. For example, if you ask "How are you?" and they respond "I'm good. How are you?", respond by answering their question first and follow up with another question to show interest in their life. "I'm doing great. How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?"
3. When you answer their questions or make comments throughout the connect, find areas to add details about yourself as well. "I'm doing great. My cat snuggles was going crazy over the thunderstorm. Thunderstorms are good movie weather" This answer gives the individual some information about you and your interests as well.
4. Understand the person you are speaking to. For example, if you are talking to someone who has a busy lifestyle, you may want to keep short answers or have key topics to discuss.
5. Be confident in the topic you are discuss as this will show you have done your due diligence with research and that you are comfortable speaking.
Hope this helps!
1. Listen intently to what the other individual is saying. Sometimes this can give you information about them on likes, dislikes, and interests. This also shows them you are interested in what they have to say.
2. Ask follow up questions. For example, if you ask "How are you?" and they respond "I'm good. How are you?", respond by answering their question first and follow up with another question to show interest in their life. "I'm doing great. How was your weekend? Did you do anything exciting?"
3. When you answer their questions or make comments throughout the connect, find areas to add details about yourself as well. "I'm doing great. My cat snuggles was going crazy over the thunderstorm. Thunderstorms are good movie weather" This answer gives the individual some information about you and your interests as well.
4. Understand the person you are speaking to. For example, if you are talking to someone who has a busy lifestyle, you may want to keep short answers or have key topics to discuss.
5. Be confident in the topic you are discuss as this will show you have done your due diligence with research and that you are comfortable speaking.
Hope this helps!
Bob Burton
Consultant
76
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Bob’s Answer
Basically, to be a good conversationalist you will need to be a great listener. And to be a great listener, you will need to master a proven formula. *Start with broad current event or issues that concern everyone.
"This Virus is driving me crazy."
*Then expand upon the issue/event as it relates to you.
"The lockdown of (schools, churches, businesses, gyms, bars, et cetera) offer little opportunity to get to know any new people or stay in personal touch with friends." Then, "sorry, I should have introduced myself. My name is --------. And, you are?"
*Follow by moving to non directive questions.
"How is the Virus impacting you and your friends?" The response can't be yes or no.
*Now, while the response is coming to you, listen for something you can agree to while you focus on anything that looks like it would be common to each of you. Then respond.
"Wow, you are right in what you said about--------. It is true. I have found similar responses from my friends."
*If you have listened carefully, you will now continue with something you discovered in their comments that may lead you to areas of common interest.
" At the same time, my friends keep complaining that they can't get to the gym, it looks like you have a similar issue. right?" Now, you have moved to a common area to discuss.
*Once they respond, you move to the non directive supporting response.
Oh"! (then wait for a response.) Or, "why do you think your friends reacted that way"? Or, "tell me more". Or, "how do you think they came to that conclusion"?
This approach works! But, you will need to practice.
"This Virus is driving me crazy."
*Then expand upon the issue/event as it relates to you.
"The lockdown of (schools, churches, businesses, gyms, bars, et cetera) offer little opportunity to get to know any new people or stay in personal touch with friends." Then, "sorry, I should have introduced myself. My name is --------. And, you are?"
*Follow by moving to non directive questions.
"How is the Virus impacting you and your friends?" The response can't be yes or no.
*Now, while the response is coming to you, listen for something you can agree to while you focus on anything that looks like it would be common to each of you. Then respond.
"Wow, you are right in what you said about--------. It is true. I have found similar responses from my friends."
*If you have listened carefully, you will now continue with something you discovered in their comments that may lead you to areas of common interest.
" At the same time, my friends keep complaining that they can't get to the gym, it looks like you have a similar issue. right?" Now, you have moved to a common area to discuss.
*Once they respond, you move to the non directive supporting response.
Oh"! (then wait for a response.) Or, "why do you think your friends reacted that way"? Or, "tell me more". Or, "how do you think they came to that conclusion"?
This approach works! But, you will need to practice.
Tommy Meany
Account Executive
1
Answer
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Tommy’s Answer
This is a great question and one that many people struggle with and in my opinion it is all about getting the person to open up to you - which also builds rapport and builds the relationship.
I find that people like to talk about themselves - whether that is personal or professional - people will open up and give you in depth responses when speaking about themselves.
So whether you find something on their LinkedIn profile, company, where they live or where they are from, people will open up and tell you more when speaking about themselves. If you are able to break this down then it should make it much easier moving forward to get more in depth answers.
If that does not work and they continue to only give one word answers, I would question who you are speaking with and if this is the correct contact that you want/need to speak with. If they are not the correct person you do not need to waste your time.
Also, I would not be afraid to ask them, in a polite way, why they agreed to speak with you. "Thank you for taking time to meet with me today, I do appreciate it but I'm curious to why you agreed to speak with me today and what were you hoping to get out of our conversation". Being upfront and direct can also demand respect and change the route of the conversation as well as give the person an out so that you can both move on.
I find that people like to talk about themselves - whether that is personal or professional - people will open up and give you in depth responses when speaking about themselves.
So whether you find something on their LinkedIn profile, company, where they live or where they are from, people will open up and tell you more when speaking about themselves. If you are able to break this down then it should make it much easier moving forward to get more in depth answers.
If that does not work and they continue to only give one word answers, I would question who you are speaking with and if this is the correct contact that you want/need to speak with. If they are not the correct person you do not need to waste your time.
Also, I would not be afraid to ask them, in a polite way, why they agreed to speak with you. "Thank you for taking time to meet with me today, I do appreciate it but I'm curious to why you agreed to speak with me today and what were you hoping to get out of our conversation". Being upfront and direct can also demand respect and change the route of the conversation as well as give the person an out so that you can both move on.
Joe McCabe
Account Executive
8
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Doing research ahead of the call is a great place to start. Instead of the same question to every prospect, try incorporating something you've learned about them or about their business. For example, maybe the company released a new product recently. You can say "Hi Prospect, glad we found time to meet today. I noticed your company recently launched a new product - that's super exciting! How was it working on that?". Avoiding topics like Covid might also help. Opt for more light-hearted events or maybe a personal story about a time you visited where they are located, as an example. Ultimately, some people just want to get down to business and that's ok. Match their energy and move onto the crux of the meeting.
Ian Chen
Quality Assurance and Global Compliance Assistant
7
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Ian’s Answer
I believe you answered the question
" I find it much easier to continue a conversation when the person replies something like, "I've been great! My company has been shifting our operations online and have adopted the use of a new software.......""
If the person answered " I am good and how are you?"
You can start talking about how you are and give a brief introduction about yourself to let the person understand where you are coming from (in term of school/business/background/hobby)
Furthermore, ask them about what you just mentioned with specific question such as : "how their company is doing", "what kind of challenges are they facing", "what do they do during their free time especially during pandemic", "what kind of changes is being made in their industry moving forward", "what is their alternative when restaurant is not available ( many people enjoy topic about food)"
I hope this help, good luck.
" I find it much easier to continue a conversation when the person replies something like, "I've been great! My company has been shifting our operations online and have adopted the use of a new software.......""
If the person answered " I am good and how are you?"
You can start talking about how you are and give a brief introduction about yourself to let the person understand where you are coming from (in term of school/business/background/hobby)
Furthermore, ask them about what you just mentioned with specific question such as : "how their company is doing", "what kind of challenges are they facing", "what do they do during their free time especially during pandemic", "what kind of changes is being made in their industry moving forward", "what is their alternative when restaurant is not available ( many people enjoy topic about food)"
I hope this help, good luck.
shane eversole
manager
14
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
shane’s Answer
Open ended questions. Example of questions would start off:
Tell me .....
How do .....
Tell me about .....
What is ......
Why ......
Tell me .....
How do .....
Tell me about .....
What is ......
Why ......
SHANE! That's what I was going to say as well! :)
Regina Hofele
Sydney Lattin
Sales
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Sydney’s Answer
Lots of good feedback on this one. I would say repour building is a huge help in this type of situation, the ability to make a personal connection / come across as human makes it much easier for people to open up to you. I also recommend doing your research on the person and be prepared with case studies / examples of how the thing you are selling has benefited other people in roles similar to him, this will add to your credibility and encourage the person to open up. And don't beat yourself up if you've prepared, build report and asked all the right questions ... sometimes you just catch people in an off moment and no matter what you do they won't open up.
Stephanie Kimker
1
Answer
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
You could ask a more pointed question that requires them to describe versus answering in short words or sentences. You could also try to compliment them in some way and/or word as you are seeking help or advice. In your example, you said "How have they been coping during the COVID 19 situation?" Maybe instead try, " Covid has been a challenging time for everyone. I value your opinion, so can you please share some ideas or actions you, or someone you know, are taking to best cope with the pandemic? "
Joe Branch
Supervisor Inside Sales
3
Answers
Greentown, Indiana
Updated
Joe’s Answer
One of my favorite questions in those scenarios is "What else?" If you ask that a few times, people usually start to think a little bit deeper. Sometimes your will get the "that's it" comment, but in a light hearted manner, you can say that you know there is more and you would like to hear it.
Sunny H
Accountant
48
Answers
United States
Updated
Sunny’s Answer
Hi Yew,
I think it might be helpful if you focus on your goal from the conversations. If you just want to expand your network, I would try to have more friendly questions, which city they live, what they do during the weekends, what recipes they tried recently, etc.
Or, if you are trying to sell to strangers, you can start with a question that can be related to your products/services. For example, if you are selling electronics, "during this time, I can't live without Netflix, have you watched any interesting shows/movies?" and then "this device can provide multiple channels and give more selections on view settings." You can naturally connect the dots from the flow of the conversations.
Hope this helps!
I think it might be helpful if you focus on your goal from the conversations. If you just want to expand your network, I would try to have more friendly questions, which city they live, what they do during the weekends, what recipes they tried recently, etc.
Or, if you are trying to sell to strangers, you can start with a question that can be related to your products/services. For example, if you are selling electronics, "during this time, I can't live without Netflix, have you watched any interesting shows/movies?" and then "this device can provide multiple channels and give more selections on view settings." You can naturally connect the dots from the flow of the conversations.
Hope this helps!
Glenn Fitzgerald
Federal Account Executive (Sales)
18
Answers
Hatboro, Pennsylvania
Updated
Glenn’s Answer
Try to find a common ground with the person. Looking them up on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook or other social platforms is a good start. Otherwise, talk about your passion and see if they have a common thread.
Dawnyale Oliver, MBA, PHR
Senior Recruiter
35
Answers
Fort Worth, Texas
Updated
Dawnyale’s Answer
That's an awesome question!
I've found that questions that start with "tell me about...", and "what are your thoughts about..." help to open up a conversation in a way that allows the recipient to be in the drivers seat. I think it's important to keep in mind, that giving people the space to express themselves starts with keeping the topic as open as possible You can drill down to more specifics later on in the conversation, when a good comfort level has been established.
There's also a great Ted Talk by Brian Oshiro about asking lower order to higher order questions, thus opening the door to more critical thinking. I suggest checking it out!
Hope this helps,
Dawnyale
I've found that questions that start with "tell me about...", and "what are your thoughts about..." help to open up a conversation in a way that allows the recipient to be in the drivers seat. I think it's important to keep in mind, that giving people the space to express themselves starts with keeping the topic as open as possible You can drill down to more specifics later on in the conversation, when a good comfort level has been established.
There's also a great Ted Talk by Brian Oshiro about asking lower order to higher order questions, thus opening the door to more critical thinking. I suggest checking it out!
Hope this helps,
Dawnyale
Jason Wong
Sr Coordinator
54
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Ask about safe topics. COVID's not really a safe topic as they can really go in any direction, some people have been really hurt and impacted by the pandemic and may release frustrations on you. I would suggest asking about simple, open-ended stuff. And pay attention to them, if they seem non-responsive or uncomfortable don't force the conversation on them. Just neatly wrap it up and they'll appreciate you more for it.
Mitchell Nowak
Sales Manager
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Mitchell’s Answer
Prior to your meetings, understand who you are meeting with, identify your goals (best and acceptable), have as much knowledge of the organization regarding why you are there, prior to arrival. Create you questions in advance, work to have situational and attitude based questions that provide more than a single word answer. Such as, your current team generates reports manually which takes time away from your organization goals. While tools to measure the success are very important, how does the time spent on these reports affect the task, timelines for your goals and if this distracts the team for your core goal?
Mark Stevens
Strategy
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Mark’s Answer
You're on the right track. Try to frame your question in a way that makes it almost impossible to respond to with one word or a short phrase. Examples...
- What are the top three things you like about...?
- Is there an experience in your life where you...?
I hope this helps!
- What are the top three things you like about...?
- Is there an experience in your life where you...?
I hope this helps!
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