13 Aug Embracing the Traveller’s Mindset: Building Rapport Quickly in Networking
Embracing the Traveller’s Mindset: Building Rapport Quickly in Networking
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, the significance of face-to-face interactions often gets overshadowed by the convenience of online communication. Yet, the magic of meeting new people in person cannot be replicated through screens. As a professional who deeply values personal connections, I recently had an experience that reaffirmed my belief in the power of face-to-face interactions.
An Evening with Strangers
Earlier this month, I found myself at a lakeside picnic area just outside my mountain town of Canmore, Alberta. Passing by two travellers, I decided to embrace what I call “The Traveller’s Mindset.” This technique involves approaching life with the curiosity, a sense of adventure and openness of a traveller, eager to explore and connect with new people.
So that evening, I met two strangers. Initially, we were just three individuals sharing a public space, but soon we found ourselves engrossed in conversation. We talked about our lives, shared stories, and even enjoyed a glass of wine together. By the end of the night, what began as a chance meeting had turned into a delightful and memorable experience. Susanne and Matias were so lovely to spend time with.
The Traveller’s Mindset
So, what exactly is The Traveller’s Mindset, and why is it so effective in fostering new connections? Here are some key elements and benefits:
Curiosity: Travellers are naturally curious. They seek to understand the world around them and the people who inhabit it. This curiosity drives them to ask questions and learn from others.
Openness: When you’re in a new place, you’re more open to different experiences and perspectives. This openness allows for genuine interactions without the filters of preconceived notions.
Independence and Freedom: Travellers often feel a strong sense of independence and freedom, which enables them to act more authentically and without inhibition.
Self-Discovery: Travelling provides ample opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth. Travellers learn a lot about themselves, which boosts their self-confidence and adaptability.
Embracing Diversity: Travellers are more likely to enjoy interacting with people who are different from themselves in terms of race, religion, sexual identity, etc. This openness to diversity enriches their social experiences.
Presence and Spontaneity: Being in a new environment heightens travellers’ awareness and presence. They become more curious, spontaneous, adventurous, and adaptable, making each interaction more meaningful.
Attracting Like-minded People: The authenticity and confidence that come with the Traveller’s Mindset tend to attract like-minded individuals, facilitating deeper and more meaningful connections.
Life-changing Adventures: Travellers are more open to saying yes to new situations, leading to more frequent and impactful life-changing adventures.
Problem Solving: Exposure to various challenges while travelling hones their problem-solving skills, making them expert at navigating new and unfamiliar situations.
Below are tips on how to build rapport quickly by using this mindset.
Building Rapport Quickly: Leveraging The Traveller’s Mindset
Building rapport quickly is crucial in networking. Here are some practical tips to help you connect with new people swiftly and effectively:
Be Genuinely Interested: Show genuine curiosity about the person you’re meeting. Ask open-ended questions and listen attentively to their responses. People appreciate when others show a real interest in their lives and experiences.
Find Common Ground: Look for shared interests or experiences. This could be anything from a common hobby to a similar professional background. Finding common ground helps in establishing a connection more quickly.
Use Positive Body Language: Your body language plays a crucial role in building rapport. Smile, maintain eye contact, and use open gestures. Positive body language makes you appear more approachable and friendly.
Be Authentic: Authenticity is key to building trust. Be yourself and share your genuine thoughts and feelings. People are more likely to connect with you when they feel you are being honest and sincere.
Quality Over Quantity: Forget about working the room to connect with everyone there. Once you find yourself in a meaningful conversation with someone, allow that to develop. Making one good connection is more valuable than several meaningless ones.
Share Personal Stories: Share a bit about yourself, especially stories that showcase your experiences and values. Personal stories can create an emotional connection and make the conversation more engaging.
Show Empathy: Demonstrate empathy by acknowledging the other person’s feelings and perspectives. Empathy fosters a deeper connection and shows that you care about their experiences.
Follow Up: After the initial meeting, follow up with a message or email. Mention something specific from your conversation to show that you were genuinely engaged. This helps in nurturing the new connection.
In Conclusion
My evening with two strangers at the lakeside picnic area near Canmore was a testament to the power of building new connections quickly. By adopting The Traveller’s Mindset, I was able to turn a potentially ordinary night into a memorable experience filled with meaningful interactions. I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace curiosity, adventure and openness, and discover the incredible benefits of meeting new people face-to-face.
To learn more about building human connections, visit Talk2MorePeople.com.
Tony Esteves is a a Solution Focused Coach and a circus performer. Tony is also the author of the book, “Talk2MorePeople: Change Your Life by Meeting people.” He is passionate about spending time in the mountains and creating human connection.