Business people, particularly those of you who travel, must be well versed in a variety of areas. You must be efficient packers, good at directions, and adept at lathering ridiculously tiny bars of hotel soap. You must also be skilled at small talk.

Small talk might seem like something that carries little weight, seeming as though it is called small for a reason. However, small talk can open the doorway to all kinds of conversations. It can lead to finding commonalities, discovering similar likes or dislikes, and finding the universal ground of laughter. It can also help you be remembered by those you want to impress. On a business trip, the need to shoot the breeze may come up more that you think; you don't want to be left winded.

Ask people where they are from: Everyone is from somewhere and people are often very proud of their roots; yes, even those from Canada. Asking someone where they are from is a great way to start a conversation and possibly find a commonality. It also gives people the chance to tell you a little bit about themselves and allows you a moment to travel the world vicariously.

Ask people about their kids: Sure, this might not apply to everyone, but if someone does have children, asking about their offspring can get both your feet through the conversational door. Parents love to talk about their kids - it allows them to brag about their gene pool in a subtle manner. Most people hold their kids as one of their favorite subjects, so feel free to ask away.

Ask people about recent events: There are some recent events that you probably want to stay away from. Events involving politics, religion, the Iraq war, or the debate over abortion are best kept out of the small talk world. Other events, however, are fair game. Try striking up a conversation by asking people what they thought of the latest Super Bowl or what summer movie they are looking forward to seeing. If you are feeling particularly brave, ask them if they are the father of Anna Nicole's baby.

Ask people about television: Okay, so not everyone watches TV, but since the invention of TIVO and DVR, there is really no excuse to not watch at least an hour or two a week. From 24 to Lost, from Grey's Anatomy to ER, and from The Office to, say it with me, American Idol, chances are someone watches what you watch. Discussing a television show you both find addicting is a great way to form an instant bond - one that won't be interrupted by commercials.

Being well versed in the area of small talk is not just important for businesspeople; it's a skill that everyone can benefit from. Small talk, after all, is just big talk on a littler scale. Starting up a small talk conversation often, and doing it well, can help you make friends, form alliances, and learn a little more about the people whose lives cross with yours.