The Art of “Elevator Talk”
You think you’re outgoing, gregarious and talkative. You’re the one that is always up for the impromptu conversation or quick chat around the company water cooler. That is, until the elevator doors are about to close and the left foot of a Brown Cole Haan loafer suddenly appears to stop the elevator doors as they are about to shut. It’s just you, this unnamed stranger and the 11 floors you have to travel with this individual to get to your destination. This is about as appealing to you as nails on a chalkboard. Here are some tips on mastering the art of small talk and seizing these and other similar opportunities to meet others and build your network.
The Introduction
Introduce yourself to that person in the elevator next to you who is doing everything to avoid your glance, including frantically tapping away on her Blackberry. State your name and offer a quick conversation starter, like “So you’re going to the fourth floor..that’s where PR and IT sit, right?” Instantly, you have made an effort to get to know this person and learn more about her position at your company. Her response may be, “Yep, I work in healthcare PR over on the east end of the building.”
Be a Connector
Now that you’ve made the connection and established a talking point, take this conversation one step further. “I actually have a friend who sits on the west side, but works in corporate communications on the floor, he has a background in healthcare, his name’s Mitch, you should meet him.” Now, not all conversations go as seamlessly as this one, but the point here is do more than just offer a warm smile or quick hello. Get to know those around you and offer to connect people who may benefit from the introduction.
Follow Up
Many companies have an intranet where employees can surf this private computer network to find the names and contact information of those working for your particular company. This and social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, amongst others) are all you will need to locate this person and send her a follow-up email. “Emily, it was so nice to meet you today, I have cc’d Mitch to this email. Let me know how your conversation goes with him. He’s a great guy, best of luck finishing up your media plan for Pzifer.” With this, you have instantly formed a relationship and most importantly have helped this person meet others who may benefit her.
Ping Regularly
Follow up with those in your value chain, but continue to keep them in the loop of recent activities, projects, promotions or interesting events in your life. Connect with those you have recently met at your company by figuring out what it is they love and value. No one wants to talk work 24/7. Get to know someone on a more intimate level and in doing so you’ll be on your way to forming deeper, more meaningful relationships with those around you.
These are just a few of the tactics I use to meet others and learn more about my industry. Do you have an interesting networking story that started as an innocuous conversation on an elevator and led to a valued relationship? Leave your stories in the comments section below.
Jim Armstrong is a recent graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. He now works for New York City-based advertising firm Ogilvy & Mather as an assistant search planner.