The point of directing a conversation like the one you describe, particularly when it appears more like an interrogation than a desire for personal connection, is for them to determine your usefulness (i.e., whether you’re in a position to do anything for them) & therefore the value of developing the contact. A way to shut it down quickly is presenting yourself humbly, as being powerless to provide the benefit they’re seeking. They’ll move along of their own accord.
An alternative is to respond to their description of their prowess with, “Oh! There’s someone you should meet!” & bring them to someone you don’t like (perhaps another of their sort whom you’ve encountered previously), make the introductions & quickly slip away. It’s fun!😀
The point of directing a conversation like the one you describe, particularly when it appears more like an interrogation than a desire for personal connection, is for them to determine your usefulness (i.e., whether you’re in a position to do anything for them) & therefore the value of developing the contact. A way to shut it down quickly is presenting yourself humbly, as being powerless to provide the benefit they’re seeking. They’ll move along of their own accord.
An alternative is to respond to their description of their prowess with, “Oh! There’s someone you should meet!” & bring them to someone you don’t like (perhaps another of their sort whom you’ve encountered previously), make the introductions & quickly slip away. It’s fun!😀