What does it feel like to meet your mentor? Most people would be ecstatic, yet there’s one thing they’re forgetting. When you meet your idol, you need to be prepared for how you will speak with them. You only have a minute to make a lasting impression and after that minute is up, you lost your chance.

It doesn’t matter if you’re sociable or not, you need to know how to talk to others, especially with someone who has the knowledge you need or a client. Most people don’t start out sociable, it becomes developed overtime. How does this happen? By talking to as many people as you can. When you’re at the grocery store or at the gym, be willing to talk to everyone. You may not know where to begin when talking to someone else and that’s okay.

Here are five tips from successful entrepreneurs on how to have an impactful conversation with everyone you meet:

1. Will Weinbach – Don’t be someone else, be yourself

At 16, Will is the CEO of Cross Court TV, an online media site that specializes in all things tennis and has over 200,000 combined social media followers. He’s also a nationally ranked tennis player. Will has been given the opportunity to interview Jack Sock, David Goffin, Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Reggie Bush and Hope Solo.

Will has learned quite a lot from speaking with pro-athletes. In the beginning, he tried to be like others but realized it wasn’t for him. Overtime, he learned he already had his biggest asset which was his personality. With your personality, you set yourself apart from everyone else.

How does this happen? Because you’re the only person in the world with your personality. Use it to your advantage. Whatever quirks you may have, don’t be afraid to let it shine through. What you think people might not like could be the next sensation. When you’re speaking with someone, don’t be someone else, be yourself and let them see everything for who you are.

2. Lewis Howes – Let people be vulnerable

Lewis Howes is a former pro athlete turned New York Times Best-Selling Author and podcast host of ‘The School of Greatness’ which is ranked as one of the top 100 podcasts in the world. Lewis has an Instagram following of 438,000 followers.

With his podcast, Lewis has spoken to hundreds of people. It wasn’t easy in the beginning but what he quickly realized is that everyone is vulnerable and has a backstory. You need to be the person to discover that backstory. How do you discover someone’s backstory? By putting your attention on them and asking great questions.

People want to share what they’ve been through with others but will not come right out with it. You need to do some digging. I can guarantee you when someone shares their backstory with you, you will forever be connected in someway. Why? Because they were vulnerable with you. When trying to have an impactful conversation with someone else, allow them to be vulnerable and confide in you.

“You become what you envision yourself being.” – Lewis Howes

3. Andy Frisella – Be present in the conversation

Andy Frisella is the founder of Supplement Superstores, Paradise Distribution, and the renowned fitness brand 1st Phorm International. His companies combined bring in more than $100 Million Per Year. He’s also host of the popular podcast, the MFCEO Project. Andy has an Instagram following of 813,000 followers.

While Andy does a lot of podcast episodes on his own, occasionally he’ll bring on a guest. When he brings on a guest, you can sense how seamlessly the conversation goes. He lets others speak their mind while he’s fully present.

When you’re having a conversation with someone, make sure you’re fully present. What does being present mean? It means focusing on the what the person is saying, you’re not thinking about anything else or on your phone. People can notice when you’re present or not. Next time you speak with someone, make sure you’re present, you’ll notice an immediate difference in how the conversation flows.

“Yes, finding success is going to require you to make sacrifices and be uncomfortable.” – Andy Frisella

4. Ed Mylett – Be relatable

Ed Mylett is the Agency Chairman at World Financial Group, peak performance expert, and host of the renowned Ed Mylett Show. Ed has an Instagram following of 566,000 followers. I first came across Ed when I was listening to Andy Frisella’s podcast and ever since then I’ve been hooked on his content, especially his podcast. With his podcast, Ed brings on a variety of guests.

In his interviews, I noticed one aspect of his show he uses to connect with his interviewee’s and listeners, he’s relatable. No matter what you’re going through or what you’ve been through, Ed can sympathize with your situation.

Ed hasn’t always been successful and he can be the first to attest to that. He doesn’t speak above you like he’s someone better than you. He talks to you as if you’re on the same level because he can relate. When you’re having a conversation with someone else, make sure you’re making yourself relatable because no matter how successful you are you’re never above someone because everyone had to start somewhere.

5. Casey Adams – Show that you care

At 17, Casey is an author, brand specialist, and speaker. He has an Instagram following of over 172,000 followers and just launched another Instagram page, Rise Of The Young. Casey is also the host of the Rise Of The Young podcast.

Through his podcast, he’s been able to speak with a multitude of different entrepreneurs. With his podcast, you can see that Casey genuinely cares about the guests on his show. This is also how he’s been able to build his brand.

When you’re having a conversation with someone, make sure you care about them. There are too many people who try to take advantage of others. When you show someone else that you care about them, they will react positively.

If you want to build a business, make sure you care about your customer and everyone you meet. The last step towards having an impactful conversation with someone else is making sure they feel cared that you’re talking to them. There’s no other way to build your network or your business than by having an impactful conversation with someone.

Image courtesy of Twenty20.com