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You’re struggling to connect with people in a different industry. What’s the best way to break the ice?

If you're in sales, you know how important it is to connect with people from different industries. Whether you're prospecting, pitching, or closing, you need to build rapport and trust with your potential clients. But how do you break the ice with someone who works in a different field, has different jargon, and faces different challenges? Here are some tips to help you start a conversation and make a good impression.

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1 Research their industry

Before you reach out to someone from a different industry, do some homework. Find out what their industry is about, what are the current trends, opportunities, and pain points. You don't have to be an expert, but you should have some basic knowledge and curiosity. This will help you avoid making assumptions, asking irrelevant questions, or sounding clueless.

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Prince N.

Responsable réseau chez Groupe COFINA | Développement des forces de vente
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Il existe plusieurs façons efficaces de briser la glace et de communiquer avec des personnes d'un autre secteur : Trouvez un point commun : Identifiez un sujet qui intéresse à la fois votre secteur et le leur. Cela peut être une actualité récente, une tendance du marché, ou même un passe-temps partagé. Posez des questions ouvertes : Montrez de l'intérêt pour leur travail en posant des questions ouvertes sur leur secteur. Cela montre que vous êtes curieux et que vous voulez en savoir plus sur eux. Partagez vos propres expériences : Partagez des anecdotes ou des expériences de votre propre secteur qui pourraient être intéressantes ou pertinentes pour eux. Cela peut aider à établir un lien et à créer un terrain d'entente.

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2 Find common ground

Once you have some background information, look for ways to relate to the person you're talking to. Maybe you have some mutual contacts, interests, or experiences. Maybe you can compliment them on something they've achieved, published, or shared. Maybe you can ask them for their opinion or advice on something relevant to their industry. The goal is to show that you're genuinely interested in them and their work, and that you have something in common.

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3 Use simple language

When you're talking to someone from a different industry, avoid using jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that they might not understand. Instead, use simple and clear language that anyone can follow. Explain your product or service in terms of the benefits and value it can provide for them, not the features and specifications. If you have to use a term that is specific to your industry, make sure to define it or give an example.

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4 Listen actively

One of the best ways to break the ice with someone from a different industry is to listen to what they have to say. Don't interrupt, dominate, or steer the conversation to your agenda. Instead, pay attention, ask open-ended questions, and show empathy. Listening actively will help you learn more about their needs, goals, and challenges, as well as their personality and preferences. It will also show that you respect them and value their input.

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Perpetual Ahamiojie

Perpetual is a female, woman, mother, wife, daughter sister. I will show you how to secure your financial future using insurance. #yourinsuranceplug
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Listening is a skill that can be learnt. Most people just hear, only a few listen. One way to listen actively is to try as much as possible to reduce distractions during a conversation like fiddling with a phone when being engaged in a conversation. Watch the body language of who you are communicating with

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5 Follow up

After you've had a conversation with someone from a different industry, don't let the connection fade away. Follow up with them within a day or two, and thank them for their time and insights. You can also share some useful resources, feedback, or referrals that might help them with their work. Keep the communication open and friendly, and look for opportunities to continue the conversation and deepen the relationship.

Breaking the ice with someone from a different industry can be challenging, but it can also be rewarding. By following these tips, you can start a conversation, make a good impression, and build a professional relationship that can benefit both of you in the long run.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You’re struggling to connect with people in a different industry. What’s the best way to break the ice?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Research their industry

2 Find common ground

3 Use simple language

4 Listen actively

5 Follow up

6 Here’s what else to consider

Sales

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You’re struggling to connect with people in a different industry. What’s the best way to break the ice?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Research their industry

2 Find common ground

3 Use simple language

4 Listen actively

5 Follow up

6 Here’s what else to consider

Sales

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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