Start with Hello: How to Convert Todays Stranger into Tomorrows Client

What's the first step to success? Start with Hello! Start with Hello reveals the skill that so many successful people share—talking to strangers. That is, the ability to engage with strangers in productive and creative ways, and turn them into valuable professional contacts. Packed with tips and inspiring true stories, Start with Hello will show you how to: be in the right place at the right time for networking take the first step in starting a new conversation make a positive first impression build strong business relationships online and offline expand your circle of friends and colleagues. Whatever business you are in, your success depends on the relationships you build. That person sharing the lift with you could just become a future business partner, a career-changing connection or a lifelong friend. If you want to boost your prospects in business and in life, just Start with Hello .

About the author ix Acknowledgements xi Introduction xiii Opening story xv Part I Why communicating with strangers is the key to business success 1 1 Is the internet limiting serendipity? 3 2 Action brings activity 13 3 Find the commonality 23 4 How behaviour determines outcomes 29 5 Sameness creates comfort, difference creates opportunity 37 Part II How to start a productive conversation with a stranger 51 6 Making a positive first impression 53 7 Networking freestyle — make the first move 61 8 Networking at events 75 Part III How to build effective business relationships online 97 9 Be web worthy 99 10 Digital etiquette and body language 115 11 Don’t forget the telephone 129 Part IV How to understand and leverage behavioural styles 137 12 Create a strategy 139 13 Behavioural profiles 149 Part V How to boost and utilise your personal network 161 14 Networking socially 163 15 Mind your manners 179 Conclusion 191 Index 193

Linda Coles is the founder of Blue Banana, which trains businesspeople in the use of social media in online branding and business development. As a consultant, Linda has spoken to a wide range of companies and organisations. She is also the author of Learn Marketing with Social Media in 7 Days . Visit www.bluebanana20.com .