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<\/a><\/p>\nRemember, networking is not <\/strong>always a sales pitch.\u00a0 Here are a few tips on how to build and keep the conversation moving forward.\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0 <\/p>\n One of the best approaches I learned on to build rapport is the FORM<\/strong> approach.\u00a0 FORM<\/strong>, an acronym, stands for Family, Occupation, Recreation<\/strong>, and Motivation.\u00a0 <\/strong>The \u201cFOR\u201d talk helps build rapport before you delve into the \u201cM,\u201d what motivates a person.\u00a0 FORM<\/strong> can be adapted to any social situation.<\/p>\n F:<\/strong>\u00a0 Family- ask about?other people\u2019s families and share a little about your own family experience.<\/p>\n Where did you grow up? Do you still have family there?<\/p>\n O<\/strong>:\u00a0 Occupation- ask what they do for a living and share your work experience. Comment on the similarities and\/or differences between the two.<\/p>\n Tell me about your job\/business?<\/p>\n What is the best part or the most challenging?<\/p>\n R:<\/strong>\u00a0 Recreation- ask them what they do for fun (sports, hobbies, volunteering, children activities) and talk about your shared interests.<\/p>\n What do you like to do in your spare time\/for fun?<\/p>\n How did you get into that?<\/p>\n M:<\/strong>\u00a0 Motivation- ask questions to determine what is important to the other person.<\/p>\n Aside from work and recreation, what is really important to you?<\/p>\n If you could do X all over again, what would you do differently?<\/p>\n Use questions to guide the conversation.\u00a0 However, don\u2019t just ask questions, share your own experiences, as well.\u00a0 You want a conversation, not an interrogation.<\/p>\n James Boggus is a native of Pittsburgh, Mobilepreneur, Director of Chocolate Blues and Business Networking Festival.<\/strong> To contact James with questions\/comments use James@bizfestival.com, Twitter: JBog24, and About.me\/jamesboggus<\/p>\n This article was first published in Soul Pitt Quarterly Print Magazine (SPR15)<\/em> By James Boggus Networking opportunities do not always happen in hotel ballrooms complete with nametags.\u00a0 As an entrepreneur, you never know when you may meet someone at a restaurant, a ball game, or even at the gym, who may be … Continue reading
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