If the thought of networking is painful, try this one tactic to foster a deeper one-on-one conversation.

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Networking events have never been easy for me.

I’m a 6’5” introvert with ADD who struggles to stay in conversations. As I engage with others, I’m typically looking over their head, noticing everyone else in the room.

None of this is a good excuse to give others what we all crave more than anything else – one-on-one attention.

I was reminded of this truth while reading Sherry Turkle’s book, Reclaiming Conversation – The Power of Talk in a Digital Age.

She inspired me to try a new approach at an event last week – no matter what happens, maintain eye contact.

(In retrospect, I think I was a little too intense and likely freaked some people out. It turns out not everyone is comfortable being stared down by a giant bald man.)

I noticed a change in the way I approached each conversation.

I felt a stronger connection with each person and found myself asking deeper questions that led to a richer discussion.

I look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections instead of treating each conversation like a transaction.

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—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

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