How to get people talking about their money

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Investing has become a spectator sport.  Years ago, people never talked about money.  Today people spend hours watching financial news channels.  In your business, you might sell benefit plans, insurance, individual retirement plans or stocks.  People don’t usually brag about the first three, but everyone seems to have an opinion about stocks and the market.  Let’s assume you are invested in the stock market too.  Here’s how you can use stocks as a conversation starter in social situations.

1. Did you see what the market did today?  Years ago, the stock market (DJIA, S&P or NASDAQ) went up or down.  Today, it soars or plunges.  At 3:45 PM, commentators on financial channels narrate the day like the last seconds of a horse race.  Before attending an event, check out what the market did and what your firm gives as the reasons.