How to End a Conversation -- Without Offending Anyone Around You

As the Founder of BNI, one of the world’s largest referral networking organization,I often get asked about the best way to end a conversation in a networking situation. Candidly, I think the answer is pretty simple.So, I’ll start this piece with the “simple solution.” From there,for those of you who love to overthink things, I’ll give you some other options:

For those of you who want more --I’ve read all kinds of “exit lines” and unless they are absolutely true --I don’t recommend most of them.Keep it simple and keep it honest. What are some of these lines --here they are:

Anything like the above is fine but do not lie.If you really have to do something tell the person you are networking with. Otherwise, simply follow stepNo.1 above.

Whatever you do, don’t “Seinfeld it.”One of the really funny things on the sitcomSeinfeld was how the characters would go off on some crazy, complicated subterfuge or ruse and end up getting in more trouble than if they were candid from the start. Be polite; alsobe honest and direct. “Seinfeld-ing it” almost always fails, and both you and the other person end up uncomfortable.

Overall: Don’t overthink it.Be polite and friendly.Don’t make excuses and politely move on. What becomes most important ishow you follow up, asubject that deserves a whole other article.