Small Talk

the graceful exit . 145
take your leave from a conversation. Every person at a
business meeting has an agenda—and virtually everyone
there is seeking new business. There is no shortage of
ways to ask for referrals or business. Here are some methods
to take care of business; try some out and tailor a
couple to fit your personality:
Business: Ask for Referrals
• Can you recommend anyone who needs a
______; I’d appreciate the referral.
• Can you suggest anyone with whom I could speak
about ______?
• Who do you know that might be able to help me
with ______?
• I had hoped to meet someone who is interested in
______. Do you know anyone like that?
• Who else here could I speak to about joining the
______ committee?
These techniques are not unique to business situations.
You can easily adapt them to social events, as well.
Here are some examples: