Do you talk to Strangers? Can you afford not to?
Do you talk to Strangers? Can you afford not to?
When I was a kid, I was painfully shy and not the terrified of public speaking or asking questions in class but the level of shyness where I couldn’t call information and ask for a phone number (and that other stuff too). I’m talking extreme debilitating shyness. The thought of talking to strangers made me want to throw up or hide or both.
I eventually grew out of it with the help of team sports and a series of jobs that boosted my confidence and forced me to break out of my comfort bubble. I thought everyone else understood the world and how it worked but soon realized that “Fake it till you make it” was the norm. Life is a process not a destination. What fun would it be to start at the end with all the answers?
With my improved confidence I also found my voice and was able to speak up and speak out and for those who know me don’t believe I was ever unable to speak my mind.
Opportunities are everywhere if you are open to finding them. Life is short and consists of a series of moments and every moment we have to make decisions. In a blink, a hesitation you can watch an opportunity walk away. Speak Up! Take chances!
Talking to strangers has become less creepy, more acceptable with the injection of Social Media. Social media has given us a truly global world and allows us to interact with strangers all over the globe which in turn creates a dialogue and platform for in-person interaction. This article from Realtor Magazine details the concept of talking to strangers, making connections and hopefully finding people who need help with Real Estate. Why not?
As a Realtor, I cannot afford to be shy and even though I still consider myself an introvert, I am extremely social and confident and have no problem striking up a conversation at a cafe or in line at Trader Joes. I operate on a platform of brutal honestly. Sometimes it gets me into trouble but mostly it’s appreciated.
Life is too short not to interact, meet people or my favorite, offer up an unexpected compliment. I honestly enjoy giving the “drive-by” compliment and it always delights people and catches them off guard. “LOVE your shoes” “Great dress” ” You have the most beautiful hair”.
Pay a stranger a compliment, it’s free and painless and who knows where it might lead. Life has much to offer if you just ask, share, give and engage!