Verbal communication

In many ways being an entrepreneur is no different than working in more traditional businesses. One of the essential skills that overlaps both spheres of the commercial world is verbal communication. I was fortunate enough to be born with a natural inclination towards the verbal gab and grew up in a household where the traditional tools and techniques of persuasion could frequently be heard around the dinner table.

With all that said ... as I spend more of my time talking with various potential business partners I am struck that when I reflect upon my impact and overall effectiveness in communicating the point I would like to get across, that my performance is varied. Sometimes I find myself "in the zone" and my tone is firm but generous, I interject appropriate humor as the conversation gets tense or uncomfortable, I remember to smile and to look directly in their eyes and I keep ready that mental check list in my head and easily transition to the next point or topic at the appropriate time. Other times ... its just bad. I feel uptight, nervous, can't remember what I have to say and my overall effectiveness deflates almost immediately as these things happen.

I would like to begin to document some of the key steps in conducting a concrete conversation in order to develop a process that I can repeat and refine as time progresses.

Two very important ground rules:
- Be kind and purposeful in all of your comments. This is really critical, and the best businessmen/women I've seen perfect this balance. Getting mad is almost never worth while and timidity earns little respect from even the least sophisticated individuals. In the end, take to heart what your mother taught you. Always be respectful and kind and set your own path in this world.

- Prepare. Its amazing how much even 3 minutes of note jotting can help prior to a conversation. While prep time varies a great deal depending upon the circumstance, knowing in your mind the list of 3 -4 things that you would like to get out of the conversation or from that person seems basic, but its frequently overlooked and an easy step to take.

Ok, so now to the chronological conversation.
First - Say your name and why you're speaking with that person. If the occasion presents itself, provide an introduction, but when you get to a question be specific but not confrontational.

Last - Ask if there is anyone else they think might be a helpful person for you to speak with. End every interaction with that question. A lot of the whole business game its networking and finding the correct people.

Theres a lot more in there and I'll add as I track more of what feels most effective. How do you approach business interactions? What works best on your end?