Thin Ice - 5/24/19

Have you ever walked into a venue solo, not knowing anyone, and found yourself scanning around for people to talk to only to see people on their phones? Whether at a networking event or checking out the local nightlife, breaking into conversation with another random person can seem like trying to climb the Great Wall of China. Fortunately, there is a simple mindset that might help.

I call this concept “thin ice.” When it comes to meeting new people at a new place, I remind myself that everyone is feeling the same. Everyone is trapped in a bubble of thin ice. Someone has to make the first move to shatter this seemingly divisive barrier. Why not me? Most people’s apparent barriers (looking at their phone, leaning on the wall, hanging out by the cheese plate, etc.) are just poor attempts at distracting themselves from making the first move. You can help them. Conversations are the gateway to rapport. Good rapport naturally leads to a relationship, if desired. Whether it becomes professional, personal, or neither, it all begins with a simple hello and a handshake.

Greeting. A name introduction. A handshake.

Your future.

I look back at all the amazing friendships, networking opportunities, even relationships that started with a simple hello over the years. I also think about all the opportunities I miss out on when I feel anxious or nervous, remnants of an older version of myself. Knowing how to use this power and when to deploy it will open new doors to exciting new opportunities.

An motivational speaker that once came to my high school told us that we must learn from our mistakes, but also that life is too short to make all the mistakes yourself. We should also learn from the mistakes of others. Speaking to people is one of the quickest ways to get the pro tips on how to navigate through life, especially with older members of society. Everyone has a story and lessons they’ve learned. How many of them walk through our lives on the sidewalk, at networking events, and when out being social?

So the next time you are out, try that FYF 3 second rule and start moving your legs, body, and mouth. Everyone is waiting to meet you. Don’t leave without giving people the chance to get to know you. Sometimes it just takes meeting one person for it to gain traction. In minutes, you can make introductions to others and the number of connections multiplies. Combine this with a solid memory namebank and you will grow your network in no time.

Breaking thin ice is the first step to a life of warmth and happiness, but you will have to be the one to break it. After a while, it becomes fun!

Now go out there and make another person’s day!

Fuck yeah, it’s Friday!

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash