Let others to talk about themselves first. Then, you’ll be able to sell yourself more naturally.If they are interested in what you have to offer, you can naturally transition into a pitch that interests them. A lot of times, a person will self-identify a need right after you talk about what you do.

Let People Talk First

Communication

Ask at least one question before changing topic to show you’re engaged. Gathering details makes it more likely that you’ll be able to establish a connection with the other person or find a way you can lend a hand.

Ask Good Questions That Show You’re Engaged

Take a look at the person’s LinkedIn or Twitter account to get an idea of his tone, interests, etc. You’re always at an advantage when you know more about a person. It will be easier to relate to him and you might avoid awkward conversations.

Prepare For A Conversation Without Being Creepy

Don’t force the conversation. Try to hit on something the other person is passionate about that you’re also interested in. That way, the rapport is genuine and the person is more open to talking in-depth about the subject.

Try To Genuinely Relate

Most people appreciate it when you value their time. Sometimes, you can have a more meaningful conversation in 15 minutes than you can in an hour. What’s important to cover is how you can help each other out. Be genuine about delivering value and cut to the chase early.

Don’t Waste People’s Time

No one knows better than themselves what they value. You’ll be surprised how many opportunities come up to connect people when you know what they actually prioritize.

Ask How You Can Add Value

Most people like real conversations that don’t force them to act like people they aren’t. If you see an opportunity to joke around or personalize a conversation, take it — even if it’s early. It will decrease barriers from the start, and the shift will enable you to have a better conversation.

Decrease Personal Barriers

The most awesome people don’t have to pitch everyone on how awesome they are. People will naturally think you’re awesome as the conversation develops.

Hold Back On Sharing How Awesome You Are

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Too often, a conversation results in wasted time - and nothing productive to show for it. Whether you've run into someone at a conference or you have a scheduled call, you can use specific tactics to have a more meaningful conversation. Here are 13 ways to add meaning to your conversations:
1. Don't get too excited about your next thought. 2. Ask good questions that show you're engaged. 3. Do your homework without being creepy. 4. Try to genuinely relate. 5. Don't waste people's time. 6. Let people sell themselves. 7. Ask how you can add value. 8. Do what you can to help. 9. Reach out in meaningful ways. 10. Decrease personal barriers. 11. Listen and remember key points. 12. Hold back on sharing how awesome you are. 13. Recognize other people. People can tell when you aren't truly listening because you just can't wait to spit your next thought out. Before they've finished, you're already eager to tell them about an amazing experience you had. Make it a point to listen before you speak. If your story's really interesting, it will still be interesting in five minutes.
 is the CEO of <a href="http://www.influenceandco.com/?utm_campaign=Forbes%20-%2013%20Simple%20Ways%20You%20Can%20Have&amp;utm_medium=Forbes&amp;utm_source=Article">Influence &amp; Co.</a>, a company that assists individuals and brands in growing their influence through products and services ranging from creating and publishing bylined articles to facilitating in residence programs for brands and much more. Influence &amp; Co., one of the leading providers of high quality expert content to the world's top publications, is the creator of <a href="http://bit.ly/18DcPY3">Contributor Weekly</a>. Connect with John on <a href="http://bit.ly/17JCHOb">Twitter </a>or <a href="https://plus.google.com/115912741633368703462?rel=author">Google+</a>. One of the best ways to show engagement is by expressing a natural curiosity for what the other person is telling you. Make it a point to ask at least one question before moving on to the next topic. Gathering details makes it more likely that you'll be able to establish a connection with the other person or find a way you can lend a hand.
There's a thin line between properly preparing yourself for a conversation and being creepy. Before you have a planned conversation, take a look at the person's LinkedIn or Twitter account to get an idea of his tone, interests, etc. You're always at an advantage when you know more about a person. It will be easier to relate to him - and you might avoid an awkward conversation or two.
Some of the most important conversations we have are with those people who have "fan clubs" trying to form relationships with them. They can spot a fake bonding opportunity from a mile away. Don't force the conversation. Try to hit on something the other person is passionate about that you're also interested in. That way, the rapport is genuine and the person is more open to talking in-depth about the subject.
Most people appreciate it when you value their time. Sometimes, you can have a more meaningful conversation in 15 minutes than you can in an hour. What's important to cover is how you can help each other out. Be genuine about delivering value and cut to the chase early.
Always get the other person to talk about himself first. Then, you'll be able to sell yourself more naturally. If he's interested in what you have to offer, you can naturally transition into a pitch that interests him - and doesn't feel forced. A lot of times, a person will self-identify a need right after you talk about what you do.
It's important to always ask people how you can add value for them. You may think you know what will help them, but they know better than anyone what they value. You'll be surprised how many opportunities come up to connect people when you know what they actually prioritize.
Simply offering a helping hand will differentiate you. Anybody can have a conversation offering to help someone out, but a small percentage actually delivers on their promises. People will value your relationship more when you actually provide what you've suggested: a contact, a tool, or even a sounding board.
I recently had my first child, and a variety of people reached out to have a quick conversation expressing their excitement. It meant a lot that they truly cared about a meaningful moment in my life. You stand out when you make it a point to recognize milestones in people's lives.
There's an assumption that you need to be super professional when first talking to someone. In my experience, most people like real conversations that don't force them to act like people they aren't. If you see an opportunity to joke around or personalize a conversation, take it - even if it's early. It will decrease barriers from the start, and the shift will enable you to have a better conversation.
What does she do for fun? What is she passionate about? These things are important to remember. The next time you touch base, ask for an update. If you know she loves to travel, ask her when her next trip is. If it seems like she left an imprint during your last conversation, she'll take you more seriously.
As a young entrepreneur, I couldn't stop myself from talking about my accomplishments. However, as I get older, I realize that the most awesome people don't have to pitch everyone on how awesome they are. People will naturally think you're awesome as the conversation develops.
If you're having a conversation with multiple people, or if someone's spouse is standing nearby, make a point to include "the outsiders" in the conversation. Too often, people are so focused on speaking to one person that they forget to include someone who could turn into a cheerleader for them after they leave.
Run through this list the next time you go to a conference or event where you'll encounter a lot of people. The fresher these tips are in your mind, the higher the likelihood that you'll actually implement them. As a result, you'll experience far less wasted time - and an increase in opportunities from everyday conversations.
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Too often, a conversation results in wasted time - and nothing productive to show for it. Whether you've run into someone at a conference or you have a scheduled call, you can use specific tactics to have a more meaningful conversation. Here are 13 ways to add meaning to your [...]