Some people seem to be so natural at starting conversations it’s almost hard to believe. For others of us, it can be really difficult to get the ball rolling. It doesn’t mean we’re less intelligent, just that we need to develop the skills of striking up a conversation.

For someone selling their products at a craft show or some other venue, this is a critical skill. You need to feel comfortable with meeting people and getting a conversation going. But how do you do that? How can you get a conversation going from stone cold, to something resembling a warm crackling fire?

Mostly it is a matter of preparation. You need to just get some ideas for subjects to start with, and then practice them. Go over them in your mind and then give them a whirl with some potential customers. Most of these suggestions are common sense ideas that you’ll find floating around the web.

• Brush Up On Current Events - One thing you can do to get ideas for things to say is to be somewhat current on what is going on. Just do some reading of the newspaper or some magazines just to have a flavor for the latest news.
• The Weather - I know you probably just rolled your eyes. But the weather is something common everyone is aware of. Remarking about an especially hot day, cold day or rainy day can certainly get things going.
• Notice Something To Compliment - Here’s one of my own ideas. Let’s say you sell baskets. A very nice middle-aged woman walks into your booth to browse your stock. You notice the cutest handbag you’ve ever seen, swinging from her forearm. Say something about it. Tell her you really like it (who doesn’t like a compliment). Ask her where she got it. Most of the time I think you’ll find people very receptive about conversing about something their wearing or have purchased.
• Notice The Family - As a father of five children, I’ve never minded people saying something about my children. Which one of use doesn’t like someone telling us how cute our kids are. And who doesn’t like to talk about their kids or grandkids? We all do.

These are just a few suggestions to consider. Maybe others have some ideas they’d like to add, something that has really worked well for them.

One thing to keep in mind during all of your conversation starting. Whatever you do, be genuine. If you’re just trying to start a conversation with people so you can get them to buy something, it will show. And you will find no quicker way to loose a customer.

On the flip side, if you are genuine, people will note that as well. You’ll end up showing them that you’re just a regular person like they are and not some booth mugger (I just made that up. Is that funny or just dumb? Sounded funny at the time.). And if they feel that you are like them, they will be much more receptive to hearing about your products, and more likely to buy.