On Starting The Conversation With Someone You Have Asked To Meet
“I know I can read about you online, but why don’t you tell me about yourself” – these were the first words out of the mouth of a young professional who had sought out my advice.
“I know I can read about you online, but why don’t you tell me about yourself” – the conversation took place on Zoom. My camera was on. I want an award for my stellar poker face.
“I know I can read about you online, but why don’t you tell me about yourself” – is not a strong conversation starter, unless your goal is to create a terrible first impression (along with ensuring the conversation is extraordinarily brief). It’s an ice-breaker guaranteed to bring on a network-building-ice-age, so instead I strongly recommend you do your homework on the person you’re meeting before the meeting (after all, you did request the meeting) and break-the-ice by asking a better opening question.
