Five Tips for Talking Business at Social Events

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There are times when people find out that you are an advisor and want a few hot tips, or feel the need to tell you how much they have lost in the market.  Be sure to keep the conversation casual, and stay away from discussing historical rates of return or your market theories.

Five tips for talking business at social events are:

1.) Have a short speech about what you do, specifically for social events.

2.) Avoid talking about your products and services.

3.) Keep your best ideas for later.

4.) Keep it cheerful, and focus the conversation on them and their interests.

5.) If asked, have your business card ready and follow up.

How important your reputation is to you, and who is attending the social event, will usually determine how much you indulge. With cameras on almost every phone and social media literally seconds away, being professional is something to consider before you act inappropriately.

Be of value to new folks that you meet and be able to refer them to professionals that you know that could help them out with their specific issues. Also if someone is keen to talk shop with you, just ask if you can contact them over the next couple days to meet for coffee to chat more about their ideas.

Rosemary Smyth, MBA, ACC, is a columnist and an international business coach for financial advisors. She spent her career working at leading investment firms before pursuing her passion for coaching. She lives in Victoria, BC. Visit her website at www.rosemarysmyth.com    

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