The connection for which you’ve been waiting. Your friend, family member or former colleague made a much-needed introduction for you. Congratulations!
Now, it’s time for you to shine!
However, before you head out to that coffee date or jump on the phone for the conversation, take the time to complete the triangle.
You see, many people skip this simple little preparation step and it accounts for so much of the awkwardness and lack of confidence in the exchange.
Don’t forget that there are THREE people in this conversation. You. Your new connection. The person who introduced you. The triangle.
Be ready with a little current information about the friend or colleague you have in common. How their kids are doing, where they work now, what projects they are working on, how their renovation is coming along, how the football team they are fanatical about fared this season, etc. Basically, you want an up-to-date and simple answer to the inevitable question that goes something like this… “oh I love Joe and haven’t talked to him for ages, how is he doing?”
When the question comes, you want to be prepared with an answer. It does not need to be much. It doesn’t matter if you get it from a recent email exchange with Joe when he agreed to make the introduction or from stalking him on Facebook. Just do not let this moment end in an awkward silence.
Then be ready to share a reason you really appreciate that common connection– his humor in the workplace, his passion for coaching his daughter’s soccer team, or the meaningful words of wisdom he shared with you when you got promoted 10 years ago. You get the idea.
It is all about the small talk. Be prepared.
Complete the triangle. Then, it’s time to get down to business.
You are so good at this. Good suggestions especially for us hesitant introverts!