The 2C+Q Equation to Opening a Conversation with Just About Anyone (Without Feeling Awkward About It)

By Melissa Camilleri, CoFounder of The Prosper Network

If you've ever found yourself in the corner of a crowded room, balancing a beverage with a square plate of cheese, scanning the room, hoping you don't look as awkward as you feel...

Well, same.

And yet, everyone says networking is the way to grow your business.
To find more clients.
​To make more connections.
​To get those winning introductions to exactly the people you need to meet to move your projects forward.
​It can be super uncomfy in person-- but online?

I know many people who would rather scrub their toilet, have dental work done and file their taxes on the same day than strike up a meaningful conversation with a stranger on the internet.

WHAT DOES ONE EVEN SAY?

“Um, hi? Do you want to learn more about my business?”

EW.

Networking, though, does not have to feel awkward. It can feel generous, fun, interesting, and like a normal conversation you'd have with anyone-- from the checkout clerk, to the the gal you always see in the pickup line at school, someone at the gym.

It's called the 2C+Q Equation and it works brilliantly as a way to start a conversation with someone you don't know without coming off as some sort of weirdo
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THE 2C + Q EQUATION: CONNECTION + COMPLIMENT + QUESTION = CONVERSATION

​It's simple. Anyone can do it. You can practice this today. Try it!

Here's how.
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​1. CONNECTION: Start by connecting on something you both have in common. Maybe it's that you both are coaches (as evidenced by their bio on Instagram.), Maybe you are both in line waiting to get through security to see your favorite musician in concert. Maybe your kids are both in the 4th grade. Maybe you are wearing the same shoes. Maybe you're simply both experiencing the same weather that day. Don't overthink this part. This is how you quickly show shared interest, proximity, or connection.
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​2. COMPLIMENT: Genuinely notice something about that person and praise it. It can be something physical-- "I love your bag!" or something you've researched about this person if they are on your dream list of people to meet and reach out to-- "Your book had such an impact on me." A compliment is such a simple and generous way of inviting someone into a conversation with you. It automatically endears you to the person. If you can get great at one single skill to help you people better, it's being generous with compliments. Because as they say, "people will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel."
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​3. QUESTION: This part of the equation often gets forgotten, but is essential! A question is how you keep the conversation going. The better you are at being INTERESTED, the less you need to feel pressure to be INTERESTING. We humans love talking about ourselves. So invite that with a question.
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Your job this week is to try this 2C+Q Equation.
How does it work for you in person?
How does it work for you online?
Happy connecting!

If you run an established business and value spaces that are full of opportunities to both give and receive, we invite you to check out the Prosper Network. We are gathering the best of the best people and we are waiting to know YOU!