Linda Coles 
Start with Hello 
How to Convert Today’s Stranger into Tomorrow’s Client

How and why the ability to connect with strangers is vital to
business success

Good communication with colleagues and clients is an important
aspect of doing business successfully. But if you’re only talking
to your associates, you’re missing out on half the story and
leaving money on the table. Start with ‘Hello’ reveals how
the most successful businesspeople and leaders share an overlooked
and underappreciated talent–the ability to engage and
communicate with strangers in productive, creative ways. Put
simply, people like to do business with people they know, like, and
trust. So get to know more people! Even if you don’t think of
yourself as the most outgoing person, you can learn to be more open
and engaging to strangers. The book explains simple, key aspects of
communication that make it easy to connect with new people,
including behavioral styles, body language, and eye contact. Add
together simple tips for starting conversations and following-up on
them, and you’ll be well on your way to making the business
connections that count.

* Features straightforward guidance for anyone who needs help
building new connections with new people

* Written by a high-profile expert and thought leader in the art
of relationship building

* Includes real stories that reveal how often chance meetings and
conversations develop into profitable business relationships

In a small, hyper-connected world, today’s stranger might be
tomorrow’s client. If you want to boost your business prospects in
simple, practical ways, Start with ‘Hello’ is the resource
for you.

Table of Content

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

About the author

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.