“A desk is a dangerous place to view the world.” –John Le Carré Author

Association executives and their stakeholders learn the technical skills required for career success, often overlooking the importance of conversation, networking, and rapport-building skills. The ability to talk easily with members and potential members is a learned skill, not a personality trait. Acquiring it will establish rapport with colleagues, clients, and referral sources, with peers in the marketplace and liaisons within the community at large, leaving a positive impression that lasts longer than an exchange of business cards. Each program is tailored to the audience.

This fast-paced, informative, and interactive session offers tools to:
• Strike up conversations and keep them going
• Cultivate connections in a virtual world
• Master introductions and remember names
• Come across as composed and self-assured when talking to people or entertaining clients at conventions, trade shows and other work related functions
• Develop rapport with stakeholders and community members
• Become an “active” listener
• Overcome communication barriers
• Handle awkward situations
• Come up with topics to discuss
• Avoid conversation “killers”
• Prepare for successful conversation
• Issue the invitation for referrals and future interaction
• Exit conversations with grace
• Feel more at ease at award receptions, banquets, receptions and networking events