Being on a long haul flight doesn’t mean you have to switch off business mode. People are always keen to connect with someone new, fresh and genuine.
So how can you make the most of your time in the air? Try these pointers:
Strategic seat placement
Instead of the window seat, request a seat that is on the aisle and in the middle row if possible.
This would give you access to people walking up and back and also someone to connect with on both sides.
Find common ground
Connecting can take place over the simplest of things that you have in common with another person.
For example, when someone is ordering a drink “oh I would love that too, that sounds great” is a great introduction to sharing a mutual connection, albeit a small one.
Bathroom line up
An experience that no-one likes is waiting for the toilet on a plane. Although, if someone (of interest) is lining up for the bathroom, you should too.
They are bored and keen on being distracted, simply spark up a simple conversation and build on that over a long flight.
Be observant
Be on top of current affairs and observe if people around you are reading the paper or magazine — which will provide some insight into what interests them.
Discuss the headlines (whether they are business related or not) to gauge what issues they are passionate about.
Be genuine
You need to be genuinely interested in learning about the other person and sharing a positive connection. If your intention is to purely “sell” then you may find yourself receiving the cold shoulder and even worse, asked to move.
Know when to stop
Knowing when to not speak to someone can be just as important if not more, than speaking. Try to be sensitive to where they are and what they are doing, for example, don’t attempt to strike up a conversation if someone is watching a movie, ready to sleep or looks disinterested in participating socially on the flight.
Follow up
As the saying goes, the fortune is in the follow up. Show your genuine interest in connecting further with a follow up email or phone call within a few weeks of the flight.
Have you made connections on a flight?