This weeks’ Q & A Wednesday question comes from Sheila in Michigan. She asks, “How do I politely end conversations to move on to the next?”

Great question Sheila! This situation is a huge stumbling block for entrepreneurs and business owners world-wide. Why? Because you never know who you’re talking to, who they know and the first impression lasts FOREVER (for the most part). If you come across as rude or abrupt, it could cost you loads of money and some great connections. Everyone should be treated with the utmost respect even if you do not wish to stay connected.

It’s also a timely question, tomorrow I have to go to a VIP mixer where I’ll be mingling with over 500 CEOs. Yikes! That’s enough to make anyone nervous. However, once you discover my #1 secret to magneticallydisengage from a conversation seamlessly and fluttering to the next like a butterfly…you’ll never feel like the socially awkward duckling again.

There is another reason you should never stay too long in a conversation that should be over. Not having the ability to leave a conversation that is going no where takes away time you could spend connecting with people you can help — and who could help you. You owe it to your future clients to get your message out there, to the RIGHT people.

Now let’s dig in…

SCENARIO ONE - You have absolutely no desire to stay in touch with the person you’ve been speaking to and you want to move on. What should you say? Try your own version of this phrase and be sure to use the person’s name (if you remember it, that is).

“Liz, thanks for connecting. There are so many wonderful people here. I don’t want to take up all your time. Let’s get to know some more people. Have fun!”

SCENARIO TWO – You do wish to stay in touch or follow up, but you don’t want to spend all evening talking to them and miss your opportunity to connect with a few other people.

“Tom, it was a pleasure speaking with you. Let’s set a date and time to reconnect before moving on to meet more people.”

SCENARIO THREE - You meet someone and strike up a conversation at the bank, in the grocery store or out and about.

“It’s been nice chatting, but I’ve got a few errands to run now. Have a great day!”

Don’t worry if you see them again in passing. Just smile, nod and keep circulating. The fact that you mentioned meeting other people lets you off the hook and them too. Perhaps they wanted to move on and didn’t want to hurt your feelings either. It’s a win-win situation for all!

Great! Aren’t you glad you never have to be stuck in a conversation that should have ended again?

YOUR TURN TO TAKE ACTION!

The next time you go out, try one of the 3 ways to politely disengage from a conversation whenever you can. The more you practice, the smoother and more natural you will be at it.

To your magnetic success!

Rhonda
“Your Presence, Power & Connection Specialist”

P.S. Have you got a way you like to politely end a conversation or a funny story?  We’d love to hear it. Take a moment to share your comments below…and if you like this post use the Social Media buttons above the video to share the love!