How do you feel when you’re at a networking event and the person who you’re talking with moves on to meet someone else? In theory, you probably don’t mind as networking is to meet people and you have other people to meet as well. In practice, however, how the person ends or exits the conversation can impact how you actually feel at that moment. You might be left wondering if they’re trying to get away from you. Here are some tips from Sophie Deering for you to politely exit a conversation and not leave the person you were just talking with feel inadequate or uncomfortable about the encounter.
Plan a follow up. If you’ve made a useful connection but need to do more networking, exchange business cards and plan a future meeting. “I would love to speak with you more. Can I have your contact information and we can arrange a meeting?”
Introduce someone else into the conversation. By introducing someone else into the conversation, you might be doing both of them a favor and it will allow you to move on. “I want to introduce you to someone else I recently met. I’ll leave it to you to get acquainted.”
Wait for a natural break in the conversation. If there’s a natural pause in the conversation, use this as an opportunity to politely leave. “It was wonderful meeting you. I’m going to mingle some more.”
Make it benefit them. Make it sound like you’re benefiting them. “I don’t want to monopolize your time. It was great chatting with you.”
Grab a drink/food. Usually there are refreshments at networking events, so if you’re not sure how to end a conversation, you can always say you’re thirsty or hungry and help yourself to the refreshments. “I’m going to grab a bite to eat, but it was wonderful talking with you.”
All of this is most effective, of course, if it follows a conversation in which you have been fully attentive, listening, reflecting back what you are hearing, and asking good questions. That way, when you do exit the conversation there is no doubt that you appreciate the person.
