Engaging with Businessmen Beyond the Boardroom

When it comes to networking with businessmen, it's easy to get stuck in the mundane. However, exploring topics beyond the traditional business realm can not only keep the conversation interesting but also open up new opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.

From Boring to Enticing: Moving Beyond Status Quo

Business, especially for the pragmatic businessman, can often feel like a repetitive routine, with predictable outcomes and pricing. While maintaining a stable approach has its benefits, there’s also room for creativity and innovation. Instead of relying solely on tried-and-true methods, explore ways to infuse new ideas and strategies into your business model. For instance, instead of incrementing prices from $1.01 to $1.02, consider what creative pricing strategies could captivate your audience and set your business apart.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Entrepreneurship is about innovation and creativity. Unlike businessmen who often stick to the tried-and-true, entrepreneurs embrace change and risk-taking. Engage in conversations that highlight your innovative mindset and creativity, showcasing how these attributes can benefit not only your business but also your network. Emphasize the importance of staying ahead of trends and continuously striving for improvement.

Capturing His World

While the world of business revolves around deals and numbers, the personal life of a businessman can be just as fascinating. Dive into topics that tap into his personal interests and experiences. Start the conversation by asking about his family, mutual friends, or shared passions such as yachts, golf, or other hobbies. This not only breaks the ice but also sets the stage for a more meaningful conversation.

Segue into Deeper Conversations

The key to making a deep and lasting impression lies in effective segues. If you are speaking to a banker, for instance, bring up relevant topics that naturally lead into broader subjects such as politics, international affairs, or cultural events. Research his interests and use this information to your advantage. For a banker from Barclays, learn about their sponsorship initiatives and connect this to sports and arts, such as football and theatre. This allows you to engage in a more varied and meaningful dialogue.

Connecting on a Personal Level

To truly engage a businessman, focus on building a personal connection. Ask questions about his interests, hobbies, and what he enjoys outside of work. You might ask:

What is he up to on a Sunday? What kind of hobbies does he have? Does he have any interests in the bank or outside of it? Does he have a car, cigars, or enjoy basketball? Is he married? Does he have children? Does he have a hobby?

By showing genuine interest in his personal life, you create a comfortable environment where he is more likely to open up and share more about himself. Keep track of his responses so you can follow up in future conversations, reinforcing your connection and relevance as a networked individual.

Conclusion

Whether you are pitching a new business idea or simply building a rapport with a potential partner, remember that engagement goes beyond mere business talk. Bring in the personal touches, show your innovative spirit, and use effective conversation techniques to captivate and engage your audience. By doing so, you'll not only keep the conversation interesting but also set the stage for mutually beneficial and long-lasting relationships.