Finish Strong

I’ve talked about how important it is to say hello first — to start conversations and meet new people.

What about when you think that conversation has run its course? What happens then? It’s OK to finish the conversation, and move on.

But whatever you do, finish strong.

Shake that person’s hand. Look them in the eye. Say how nice it was to meet them.

You might exchange cards or contact information, or you might say that you’re looking forward to seeing them again.

This is finishing like a professional.

Whatever you do, don’t just drift away.

Just like everyone wants to be acknowledged, everyone wants to know when a conversation is done. They want the chance to say goodbye.

It’s like any interaction: you want to know when it starts and you want to know when it ends.