In a recent episode of the Even Better Podcast, I had the chance to bring on Ann Stough, a seasoned business analyst with a passion for building connections and creating positive environments. We discussed the art of making authentic human connection, a core tenet of the Your Clear Next Step Changemakers Certification Program. Whether we’re joining a new team, bringing a new member into our team, or meeting someone we’ve been interested in talking to, it can be difficult to make a true, real connection. Ann shared five insightful tips for making new connections, drawing from her own experiences and growth journey.
1. Go to an Event of Some Sort
Ann suggested attending events as a way to practice making connections. A skill learned outside of work can just as easily be put to effective use in the office! Whether it's a concert, a business conference, a sporting event, or a local farmers’ market, being around the general public provides opportunities to connect with others. She shared a story of how she attended an IndyCar weekend at the Kansas Speedway. She and her husband had a pair of headphones that allowed them to talk to one another over the noise of the racecars, which was commented on by the couple sitting behind them. At the next race, they were there too, and building conversations and mutual understandings continued to stack on top of one another, all because of one little comment. Even something as small as that can lead to lasting connections, and she stayed in contact with them for six years.
2. Say Hello to a Stranger
Acknowledging the difficulty of initiating conversations, Ann encouraged saying "hello" to strangers as a powerful way to make connections. She highlights that there is a positive physiological response associated with making eye contact and smiling at the people we are speaking to. It makes a conversation partner more comfortable and open. Starting conversations with cashiers, tellers, fast food employees, waiters, and even just people you meet on the street who have on a cool shirt, can create memorable moments and an enjoyable experience for both parties. Even if we don’t see them again, it can make their day - and ours! - a little brighter.
3. Volunteer
Volunteering is another way Ann recommended making connections, whether within a professional organization or a local community project. Giving back to the communities we grew up in or live in is a way to help others have the same positive experiences that we did, and the lasting connections formed through the shared experience of giving back will bond two individuals over a love of their community. We might be busy, but if we take the time to volunteer for a cause we believe in, we’re sure to find like-minded individuals, who can be easier to bond with than total strangers.
4. Sing Karaoke
Ann surprised me by introducing an unconventional but enjoyable method of making connections – singing karaoke. Ann enjoys singing, so it serves as both a pleasurable personal experience as well as a way to make connections. People might compliment our song choice or our singing voice, and these can be great conversation starters. Plus, expressing oneself through music is a unique, joyful connection, and helps us take our mind off the stresses of life. Singing karaoke provides a unique opportunity to connect with others emotionally, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences through song.
5. Join Meetings Early and Force Random Chit Chat with an Attendee
Ann's favorite tip involved joining meetings early and engaging in random chit chat with fellow attendees. If we break the ice before a formal meeting with some cute facts about our pets or something lighthearted, it can create a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It might be a little awkward, but if we embrace and push through the discomfort, initiating conversations will generate connections that go beyond the meeting room.
Authentic human connections can be hard to make, but they aren’t impossible. If we have mastery over our emotional intelligence, finding the methods to communicate our genuine intentions to others and therefore connecting with them can become much easier, which is why we teach emotional intelligence as our first Changemakers module. You can learn more about it on our resource page, or check out our networking training! With real connections, we can find footholds in new places or help others secure their own. Give one or two of these methods a try and you’ll find that at the end of the day, everyone will sleep comfortably, knowing that they’ve met a good person with a willingness to grow and learn.
