by Sadie Peterson
http://www.aroundtownsandiego.org
© 2005
Whether you're moving to a new city, a new job,
or just want to expand your social circle, these five tips can
help you meet new people wherever you go.
- Talk to Everyone – after years of watching a friend
meet people easily everywhere he went, I realized his secret:
he talks to everyone. I don't mean just the cute mail guy, or
the girl walking her dog. I mean everyone. Whether it's the
older lady crossing the street, your new apartment manager,
or the drug store clerk, make it a point to say something to
everyone you pass. You never know when you might have something
great in common.
- Smile – A smile is the best way to let people know that
you're open to talking to them. Particularly if you find it
hard to start a conversation, a smile can help you get the other
person to start the conversation.
- Have something to say – Okay, I know it's corny, but
you CAN talk about the weather. No matter who you are or where
you are, there's something to say about the weather. Living
in sunny San Diego, I usually say "It's gorgeous outside
today – wish I were out there!" or something along
those lines. This lets people know that you like the outdoors,
and that you've got a positive attitude. This works whether
it's raining (gee, we really needed this rain), snowing (wow,
the skiing will be great this year), or cloudy (it's nice a
cool out today!). Don't want to discuss the weather? Discuss
a current event. Read up on the latest celebrity trial, natural
disaster, or scientific breakthroughs, and you'll always have
something to say. In line at the grocery store, you can always
comment on the magazine cover stories.
- Ask Questions – You're new in town, take advantage of
it! Ask people where the best sports bar is, which museum to
visit first, or where to find the perfect margarita, and you'll
get the ball rolling to meeting a new friend.
- Compliment, compliment, compliment – You should never
do this if it's not sincere, but a compliment is always a great
conversation starter. And, it starts the conversation on a positive
note, so people are already responding favorably to you. Tell
the waitress her shoes are great, compliment your neighbor's
car, let a clerk know she's doing a great job.
Credit:
About the Author:
Sadie Peterson has helped hundreds of people meet new friends.
Her website, http://www.aroundtownsandiego.org,
helps members meet each other and explore San Diego.
Related
Information:
NBA
Benefit Provider - 1-800-flowers.com
NBA
Resource Article - Who Do You
Believe You Are?
NBA
Resource Article - Are
you an Emerging Champion?
Reprint
of this article does not constitute an endorsement by the National
Business Association; the article is for informational purposes
for our members and viewers of our Web site.
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