Step Out of Your Comfort Zone to Make Deeper Connections

Create Connections that Last

Last weekend I challenged myself to see how far I could proactively push myself as a growth-owner (mindset core). I made a pact to proactively introduce myself and start meaningful conversations while at LA Summit 2019.

Not just where are you from and what do you do; I’m talking real connections where we get to the heart of what drives people forward in life. I also challenged myself to approach the speakers I most connected with.

Ray Dalio is the author of an amazing series of books titled “Principles.” I saw him outside the theater during the event and went for it. I told him how our missions are in sync, and how I want to help him build out that mission of helping people become the best versions of themselves. I gave him my card, looked him dead in the eye, and said, “I look forward to working with you to make the world a better place.”

If your goal is to connect with people on a deeper level, the questions you ask will decide the course of the conversation.

Here are the ones I used while pushing myself at the summit:

What makes you want to spring out of bed?

If you didn’t sleep, how would you spend the extra time?

What’s something I should know about you?

If you could do anything in the world right now (with no limitations), what would it be?

If you could know the absolute truth to a question, what would it be?

What have you failed spectacularly at recently, and what did you learn?

I challenge you to pick one of these and use it to build a deeper connection this week. Bonus points if you talk to someone you’re scared to approach.

Let me know how it goes!