Anthony Laye’s Post

Ditch awkward small talk—Unlock deeper connections Ever been stuck in a networking event or business meeting where the conversation feels shallow and goes nowhere? You’re not alone.  The secret to meaningful connections? 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆. In his book "Seek", ☀️Scott Shigeoka shows how curiosity can transform relationships—not by having all the answers, but by asking better questions, listening deeply, and leaning into discomfort to grow.  Here are 3 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 I use curiosity to build stronger business relationships:  1️⃣ 𝗔𝘀𝗸 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻-𝗘𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Swap “How’s business?” for “What’s been your team’s biggest win or challenge lately?”  2️⃣ 𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝗱 Pause your inner monologue and truly focus on the other person.  3️⃣ 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 Approach every conversation with a beginner’s mindset. You’ll be amazed at what you discover.  Curiosity isn’t just a personal superpower—it’s a 𝗕2𝗕 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿. By deeply understanding your clients’ needs, you’ll build trust, uncover hidden opportunities, and deliver unmatched value.  Ready to turn small talk into big wins? Let’s talk about how curiosity can transform the way you lead and grow your business.  👉 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲? Like this post, share your best “curiosity hack” in the comments, and follow me for more insights!

Tongue-tied at networking events, business meetings, or during casual encounters? Don’t worry! The ability to engage in SMALL TALK can make a significant difference in building rapport and fostering connections. Small talk isn't just about filling awkward silences—it's about finding common ground, showing genuine interest, and establishing a foundation for future interactions. Watch this video to know more about the best ways to indulge in small talk in different contexts, these phrases show interest and promotes goodwill with the people you’re talking to. Which one do you like the best? Small talk scenario 1,2 or 3? Share in the comments!

Starting a business as an introvert can be a rewarding experience. Check the list below: 1. Leverage Online Platforms: Utilize social media and websites to connect with customers and market your business without face-to-face interaction. 2. Network Strategically: Attend smaller events or webinars where you can engage in meaningful conversations rather than large gatherings. 3. Create a Support System: Surround yourself with mentors or fellow entrepreneurs who understand your personality and can provide guidance. 4. Work on Communication Skills: Practice your communication techniques to boost confidence in networking and presentations. 5. Set Clear Boundaries: Balance your work and personal life by setting limits on your availability and creating a comfortable workspace. 6. Focus on Strengths: Capitalize on your strengths, such as listening skills and thoughtful decision-making, to build strong relationships with clients and partners. 7. Embrace Your Style: Stay authentic in your business approach; don’t feel pressured to adopt extroverted tactics that don’t align with your personality. By embracing these strategies, you can build a successful business that aligns with your introverted nature. #introvert #smallbusinessowners #eromoselegideonaugustine

📢 Want to grow your business?  It’s time to step up and speak out. Networking and expanding your reach to a broader audience is one of the most effective ways to boost your revenue and improve your bottom line. But here’s the key: Speaking, teaching, and presenting in your area of expertise sets you apart. As a business owner or entrepreneur, your voice is one of your most powerful tools for building authority and attracting opportunities. Whether you’re addressing a room of investors, hosting a webinar, or presenting to your team, how you deliver your message can make all the difference. That’s why understanding your vocal instrument is so critical. Your voice isn’t just a way to convey information—it’s a way to inspire trust, engage your audience, and command attention. But without mastering control over your voice, you risk sounding hesitant, unclear, or lacking authority. Here’s what a great voice does: ✅ Projects confidence, even in high-pressure situations. ✅ Resonates so every word is understood. ✅ Captures attention with a tone that exudes authority and warmth. Imagine being able to: 🎤 Speak in any situation, anytime, with a resonant and confident tone. 🎤 Teach or present your expertise without fear of losing your audience. 🎤 Expand your reach by making a lasting impression wherever you go. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. Are you ready to unlock the potential of your voice? Let’s connect, and I’ll show you how to speak confidently, clearly, and confidently. Your voice is your power. Use it. #ElisaJames #ExecutiveVoiceCoach #elisajamesexecutivevoice #ConfidenceBuilding #VoiceMastery

Ever thought about the power of mastermind groups? They can be your secret weapon to leveling up your career! When you join a mastermind group, you're not just networking; you're collaborating and sharing ideas that can propel you forward. Here are a few reasons why mastermind groups are invaluable: - Tap into collective wisdom and ideas. - Network with like-minded professionals. - Find someone who can help you reach the next level. Don't underestimate the impact of connecting with others who share your drive and ambitions! Have you ever been a part of a mastermind group, or are you considering joining one? #BusinessGrowth #Networking #Productivity #Collaboration #ProfessionalDevelopment #SuccessTips # ***Connect with Mark Perry if you have any Off Market Direct to Seller Real Estate Deals: Email: info@showmeprops.com Office: 314-310-0567 ***Follow Mark Perry on Social Media: https://lnkd.in/gZmmK4cy https://lnkd.in/ed-G9DVf https://lnkd.in/dkt_G4hS ***Check out Mark Perry's Books on Amazon: "Shifting Your Mind From Poverty To Prosperity: How To Change The Way You Think" - This book is about changing the way you were programmed to think. If you want to be able to achieve prosperity in your life, one of the things you must do is change your way of thinking. Your thoughts and your feelings become reality. When you begin to change the way you see things, everything around you will change! https://lnkd.in/eqnZJktG "Give Yourself A Second Chance" - Have you ever thought about giving up? This short read will help you change your-self image by giving yourself a second chance. This is not the do all be all, you have to remain consistent by changing your-self image everyday. By doing so, you can have anything you desire. https://lnkd.in/eD4fwXQp

Communication is key, but so is listening. In fact, in many cases, listening actively and attentively isthe most powerful form of communication. The strength of silence. It’s in understanding, empathising, and then responding with insight. 1️⃣ Active Engagement: Practise active listening. It’s about genuinely understanding the speaker’s perspective, not just waiting for your turn to talk. 2️⃣ Informed Contributions: Speak with purpose. When you do talk, ensure your contributions are valuable, adding depth and insight to the conversation. Listening isn’t passive; it’s an active, powerful tool for building stronger professional relationships. ➡️ Follow for more insights on leveraging silence for effective communication. #PresentingSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpeakWithConfidence #Communication #Fear #PublicSpeaking #Entrepreneurs

"3 Simple Tips to Keep the Conversation Flowing" 💬 If meeting people is easy but keeping the conversation going is tough, you’re not alone. Knowing how to keep a conversation engaging is a skill that can open countless doors in your business journey. At 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗱𝗴𝗲, we cover essential strategies to keep the momentum going when networking: 1. 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀: People love talking about their passions. Ask them what excites them in their work or current projects. 2. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗱𝗼𝘁𝗲: Don’t be afraid to let your personality show. Share an interesting or relevant story—it’s a great way to connect. 3. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: If the conversation stalls, bring up an event-related topic or session. For example, “What did you think of the last speaker’s advice on scaling?” With practical tips and real-life examples from our guest speakers, you’ll walk away knowing exactly how to keep the dialogue alive. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gjXEmmQB #ConversationSkills #ElevateEvent #NetworkingTips #EntrepreneurEdge #KeepTalking

🎉 Excited for your next business meeting but worried about those awkward silences? 😬 👀 Being a confident networker at a meeting can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be! Here are a few tips to make you a confident networker without the awkward pauses: ✅ Body Language and the Handshake: Body Language, Speaks volumes. When you enter a meeting room, you should have a good posture. When greeting people use a firm handshake, not a wimpy one. ✅Prepare Questions Prepare a few open-ended questions: For example: 1) What do you like to do in your spare time? 2) Where do you see our company in the future? 3) What do you enjoy most about your job? ✅Find Common Ground: Try to find some common interests with the person at the meeting. This will help you build rapport rather naturally. Building rapport creates a more concrete relationship. ✅Closing statements are a sure way to end a conversation: If you’re at the end of a conversation here are 3 examples of closing sentences: 1) “I don’t want to take up your time and it’s been a pleasure speaking with you, but I need to be somewhere.” 2)“I would love more info about your project. Can I get your contact details so we can chat over lunch sometime outside of this meeting?” 3) “It’s been a great pleasure speaking with you, Mary. I’m so happy I got to see you.” 👀 I share practical tips, and courses to help Sales Professionals improve their job performance with advanced English Skills. 💪 I Empower Sales Professionals one word at a time! 💬 Don't miss out—hit that bell on my LinkedIn profile! Follow | Magdaline Makris #TheEnglishMaven #SalesTips #BusinessSucess #ESL #CareerGrowth #Sales #English #Fluency #CommunicationSkills #LanguageTips #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills #ProfessionalDevelopment #Communication #Startups #Pitching #Entrepreneurship #Investing

When you find yourself stuck, it's easy to start questioning your abilities as a business owner. Self-doubt creeps in, and you begin to mistrust your own judgment, wondering if you're cut out for the business owner life. But here's the game-changer: Networking When you join a group of like-minded business owners who absolutely "get it," everything shifts. Suddenly, you have access to the support and feedback you need to navigate the challenges you're facing. You become part of something bigger than your own business – a group of individuals who understand your struggles and are here to remind you that you're not alone. Surround yourself with people like the person you aspire to be. Remember, If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. - Jack Welsh #networking #businessgrowth #growthstrategy #ghost

I’ve Said It Before And I Will Say It Again The Secret Success Is .... When it comes to networking, authenticity is key. Building genuine relationships based on trust and sincerity can lead to meaningful and lasting connections. Here’s how you can be genuine and make a real impact: • Be Yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your authenticity is your strength. • Show Interest: Ask questions and listen actively. Show genuine interest in the people you meet. • Share Your Story: Let others know the real you and the passion behind your business. • Be Honest: Transparency builds trust. Be honest about your strengths and areas for improvement. • Follow Up: Keep the connection alive by following up and staying in touch. Authentic relationships are built on trust and sincerity. When you show genuine interest in others, you create a foundation for strong, lasting connections. Let’s network with heart and make a difference together! ❤️ Tag someone who exemplifies authenticity in business! Let's celebrate genuine connections! 🌐👥 #AuthenticNetworking #SmallBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #GenuineConnections #FiveTurtleDay #smallbusinessowners #learningprofessionals