However, at this point, we need to re-think the whole "Don't Talk to Strangers" mantra. While we may have a strong circle of relationships, for this network to grow and flourish we need to add to it. This implies connecting with people we do not know. In other words, the strangers we were once forewarned about.
If we think about it, strangers are an integral part of our continued success and personal development. Few of us are able to build our businesses or expand our social horizons solely on the backs of those we already know. And even if we could, the networking process would become cumbersome and slow.
To truly advance ourselves, we need to buck the talk with strangers wisdom of our youth - talk to strangers. These unfamiliar people are essential to a growing, productive network. Those who we do not know today are nothing more than our friends, clients and vendors of tomorrow.
Nothing about this suggests striking up conversations with odd individuals in seedy parts of town. It does advocate, however, that we take a risk and communicate with someone totally new.
There is tremendous value in embracing those we do not know into conversation. This naturally begs the question, "How?" Certainly, we can always opt to sit back and wait for them to approach us. The problem with this approach is two-fold. First, this does not fit with what should be our proactive style. Secondly, by sitting back we run the risk of being perceived as aloof or pretentious.
If we think about it, strangers are an integral part of our continued success and personal development. Few of us are able to build our businesses or expand our social horizons solely on the backs of those we already know. And even if we could, the networking process would become cumbersome and slow.
To truly advance ourselves, we need to buck the talk with strangers wisdom of our youth - talk to strangers. These unfamiliar people are essential to a growing, productive network. Those who we do not know today are nothing more than our friends, clients and vendors of tomorrow.
Nothing about this suggests striking up conversations with odd individuals in seedy parts of town. It does advocate, however, that we take a risk and communicate with someone totally new.
There is tremendous value in embracing those we do not know into conversation. This naturally begs the question, "How?" Certainly, we can always opt to sit back and wait for them to approach us. The problem with this approach is two-fold. First, this does not fit with what should be our proactive style. Secondly, by sitting back we run the risk of being perceived as aloof or pretentious.