Ed.
note:
This
is
the
latest
in
a
series
providing
a
comprehensive
guide
to
networking
at
conferences.
Read
the
previous
installment
here.
In
this
next
chapter
of
“Conquering
Conferences,”
we
focus
on
a
crucial
yet
often
overlooked
aspect
—
making
a
graceful
exit.
Whether
it’s
leaving
a
group
or
ending
a
one-on-one
conversation,
the
art
of
the
goodbye
is
about
departing
as
smoothly
as
you
arrived.
Exiting
Chats
Without
the
Cringe
Mastering
the
art
of
a
graceful
exit
is
like
perfecting
the
smooth
steps
of
a
dance.
It’s
all
about
leaving
on
a
high
note,
without
awkwardness
or
stumbling.
Whether
you’ve
just
shared
a
laugh,
exchanged
some
intriguing
insights,
or
simply
found
the
conversation
winding
down,
knowing
how
to
bow
out
gracefully
is
key
to
maintaining
your
social
finesse.
Here’s
how
to
make
your
exit
smooth,
leaving
a
lasting
impression
that’s
as
positive
as
it
is
professional:
-
The
Appreciative
Exit:
When
you’re
ready
to
leave
a
group,
interject
at
a
natural
pause
in
the
conversation
with
a
comment
like:
“I’ve
really
enjoyed
this
discussion,
especially
the
insights
on
[specific
topic].
I
need
to
mingle
a
bit
more,
but
it
was
great
connecting
with
all
of
you.
Enjoy
the
rest
of
the
event!”
This
approach
shows
appreciation
for
the
conversation
and
allows
for
a
smooth
exit
without
making
it
seem
abrupt. -
The
Connector’s
Departure:
A
strategic
way
to
exit
is
to
connect
others
before
you
leave.
Say
something
like,
“Before
I
head
off,
I
just
want
to
introduce
[Person
A]
to
[Person
B].
I
think
you
both
have
some
interesting
ideas
on
[specific
topic].
I’ll
leave
you
to
it
—
great
chatting
with
everyone!”
This
not
only
adds
value
to
the
group
but
also
provides
a
natural
and
thoughtful
way
to
excuse
yourself. -
The
Schedule
Excuse:
Use
your
schedule
as
a
polite
way
to
exit.
You
can
say,
“I
just
realized
I
have
a
session
I
can’t
miss
starting
in
a
few
minutes.
It’s
been
great
talking
with
everyone.
Hopefully,
we’ll
run
into
each
other
again
during
the
conference.”
This
gives
you
a
clear
reason
to
leave
and
is
generally
well-accepted
in
a
busy
conference
setting. -
The
Open-Ended
Goodbye:
Leave
the
conversation
open
for
future
interactions
with
a
line
like,
“I’ll
have
to
step
away
now,
but
if
anyone
wants
to
continue
this
conversation
later,
feel
free
to
catch
me
during
the
break
or
connect
on
LinkedIn.
Enjoy
the
rest
of
the
session!”
This
indicates
that
you’re
open
to
further
discussions,
just
at
a
later
time. -
The
Polite
Interruption:
If
the
conversation
is
ongoing
and
finding
a
natural
pause
is
difficult,
you
can
politely
interject
with:
“Excuse
me
for
interrupting,
I’ve
got
to
head
out
now,
but
this
has
been
a
great
conversation.
Have
a
wonderful
day,
everyone!”
This
is
a
direct
yet
polite
way
to
make
your
exit
without
waiting
for
a
perfect
moment.
Now
that
we’ve
mastered
the
art
of
the
graceful
exit,
let’s
turn
our
attention
to
the
next
step
in
our
networking
journey.
Next
week,
we’ll
explore
how
to
keep
the
conversation
alive
and
fresh
with
each
new
interaction,
ensuring
a
dynamic
and
fulfilling
conference
experience.
Exiting
Chats
Smoothly
✔️
Master
the
skill
of
leaving
conversations
gracefully,
maintaining
positive
impressions.
✔️
Use
tactful
strategies
to
exit
without
causing
disruption.
Sejal Patel is
the Founder
of
Sage
Ivy,
a
New
York-based
consultancy
specializing
in
empowering
attorneys
with
innovative
practice
development
strategies.
With
over
20
years
of
experience,
Sejal
applies
her
expertise
in
assisting
clients
convert
their
relationships
into
revenue
by
applying
individualized
strategies
to
their
networks
and
leveraging
their
unique
styles
authentically.