Comments on: Small talk with folks from a parallel universe at networking events

By: Karmic Ally

Karmic Ally — Sun, 29 May 2016 18:24:26 +0000

In reply to Joyce Hansen. I admire you for keeping your cool and not clobbering the lady, Joyce. Hats off to you! I love the way you maintained your composure, took the mature view and still added value to the other victims of the leader's talk, even if for only 5 minutes. :)

By: Joyce Hansen

Joyce Hansen — Sun, 29 May 2016 15:09:48 +0000

I was invited to speak to an informal group. I was introduced by the leader, and then she asked each member to introduce themselves. She proceeded to introduce the topic and run with it. 45 minutes later she asked for my input as she announced 5 minutes of time were left. I had to make the most of my small talk and remember I was the adult in the room.

By: Karmic Ally

Karmic Ally — Sat, 28 May 2016 04:06:15 +0000

In reply to Suzie Cheel. Small talk helps to oil the community spirit as your wise mother knew well, Suzie. Its something we can all do more of considering how cold the world is becoming with less human interaction and more time spent on the internet. I'm glad you liked the image with the frogs. Frogs jump and that's what happens in parallel conversations. :)

By: Karmic Ally

Karmic Ally — Sat, 28 May 2016 04:03:54 +0000

In reply to Marquita Herald. Thanks for the validation of advice, Marquita. When we've experienced it first hand, we understand how difficult the situation can be, especially if we are trying to bring in business and nurture leads for potential accounts in the future.

By: Karmic Ally

Karmic Ally — Sat, 28 May 2016 04:02:31 +0000

In reply to Kimberly Bost. Family and friends are the ones who quite often initiate the parallel conversation and have to be handled with kid gloves. I'd count as long as it takes to prevent blowing up, Kimberly. :)

By: Karmic Ally

Karmic Ally — Sat, 28 May 2016 04:00:55 +0000

In reply to Diane Topkis. That's exactly what happens in parallel conversations and what happened to me, Diane. I still marvel at the fact that with a painful back, I managed the situation instead of clobbering Kitty's pet parent. :)

By: Suzie Cheel

Suzie Cheel — Sat, 28 May 2016 01:29:22 +0000

So true small talk is a gift, one my mother excelled at as did her networking skills and maybe something I can follow more- I do understand about that parallel talk. Just love the image with the frogs xx

By: Marquita Herald

Marquita Herald — Fri, 27 May 2016 23:24:13 +0000

I spent the first 2/3 of my working life in sales which meant many (many!) networking events, conferences, blah, blah. I must confess I’m glad they are a part of my past now, but I can certainly appreciate your advice.

By: Kimberly Bost

Kimberly Bost — Fri, 27 May 2016 22:27:02 +0000

I love the advice “count to 10 and stick to the new topic.” Consciously getting over the irritation and disappointment and moving on is helpful advice – especially when it happens with family ad friends! Thanks

By: Diane Topkis

Diane Topkis — Fri, 27 May 2016 17:53:08 +0000

I never thought of the term parallel conversation but it does happen so often. Also reminds me of when you’re telling someone something about yourself and off they go into a somewhat similar story about themselves and you’re now you’re the listener.