Back by popular demand, Jacki Lutz brings Zenata Perez and Andrew Steczo back together for an encore on small talk that actually leads somewhere: reading the room, using humor without crossing the line, and turning short chats at crowded events into focused follow-up that moves the relationship forward.
They start with situational awareness and timing: how to scan energy, spot exit cues, and protect goodwill with clean pivots like “I’ll let you get back to it.” Then we dive into professional humor... light, respectful, and delivered with a smile... so you become memorable without risking credibility. The heart of the episode is a practical playbook for shifting from rapport to business without undoing the trust you just built, including when to avoid the pitch, how to set the next step, and why relationship-first cultures win.
You asked for it, so we went deep on remembering names: the three-by-three rule, association tricks, gracious recovery lines, and simple notes that cement faces to context. We also flip the script on being a great receiver of small talk—approachability, yes-and replies that keep momentum, and open questions that spark real stories. Finally, we connect confidence and energy: how short resets make you a better conversationalist, why grace beats perfection, and how small talk, done right, opens big doors in sales, partnerships, and mentorship.
If you learned something, follow the show, share this episode with a colleague who dreads networking, and leave a quick review so more pros can find us. Subscribe for more candid Carpool Conversations and power skills that make the auto care world go.
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