Matt Abrahams

So when I'm in the networking situation and somebody brings up a point, I can say, I can connect that point to this theme I wanted to get across and I can pull in this example.

So you've taken the pressure off of yourself to originate in the moment.

And instead, you're just connecting and building, and that can actually help you feel better.

And it allows you to be more agile and spontaneous.

And then when it comes to small talk directly, start with questions or observations.

Ask somebody a question or observe something that's happening in the environment.

Just comment on it.

I made a great, good friend simply by standing in line at a conference.

I didn't know anybody.

I looked around and I noticed lots of people were dressed in blue.

It wasn't a uniform.

It just happened to be coincidence.

I turned to the guy.

I said, I didn't get the memo on wearing blue.

He looked around and said, you're right.

Everybody's wearing blue.

Started a great conversation.

We've now become friends.

When I travel to where he lives, I visit him all the time.

It started simply with an observation.