Turning Small Talk into Business Gold | RR319

Jul 15, 2025

39:24

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You don’t need hours to build trust. You just need 15 seconds and the right words.

I recently sat down with Jen Mueller, an Emmy-winning sports broadcaster and founder of Talk Sporty to Me, who’s built a career turning lightning-fast locker room chats into meaningful connections. Jen shares how her experience interviewing athletes in 15-second windows can help professionals make an impact in business conversations just as quickly. We talk about the power of success statements, how to shift away from awkward small talk, and why intentional, accurate praise changes everything. If you’ve ever fumbled your way through a first impression or dreaded networking events, Jen’s strategies will completely reframe the way you communicate.

Highlights:

1. Make Seconds Count - Learn how to structure quick, impactful conversations that leave a strong impression without taking up much time.

2. Skip the Fluff, Ask Smarter Questions - Why open-ended questions often backfire and how to make people feel safe answering you.

3. Turn Small Talk into Strategic Relationship Building - Using everyday conversations—especially about sports—as effective entry points to build rapport and uncover shared values.

4. The Right Words Matter - Discover how one word can shift the tone of a conversation and why vague praise like “great job” just doesn’t cut it.

5. The Success Statement Secret – How instead of saying “I’m fine,” use a success statement to steer conversations toward what you want people to know.

Connect with Jenn:

Website: https://www.talksportytome.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmuellertalksporty/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talksportytome

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talksportytome

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TalkSportyToMe

In appreciation for being here, I have some gifts for you:

A LinkedIn Checklist for setting up your fully optimized Profile:

An opportunity to test drive the Follow Up system I recommend by checking this presentation page - you won’t regret it.

AND … Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and be eligible for my complimentary LinkedIn profile audit – I do one each month for a lucky listener!

Connect with me:

http://JanicePorter.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/janiceporter/

https://www.facebook.com/janiceporter1

https://www.instagram.com/socjanice/

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