Five Steps to Fruitful Networking: Part IV

In this series we’re talking about five steps to fruitful networking. The fourth step is to Be Curious.

My sociable wife, Kathy, has been a big help to me in this area. She is naturally curious about people and is a master of asking questions to learn more about whomever she meets.

She has taught me to find out about other people’s family, their hobbies, and their work, but not to stop there. She also taught me to be curious about what motivates others and to ask about their passions as well. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Hospitality can be as much for the sake of the host as for the hosted. Finding the space and setting aside time to assist, house, or entertain another person is a strengthening exercise for your character. To build relationships, you have to put forth effort and interest instead of focusing on drawing others into you. You will be most successful if you make the interaction about the other person.

Part of being hospitable is caring enough to be curious about others.

Questions For Reflection

• What is hospitality? Who is the most hospitable person you know? What are defining aspects of hospitality? How can you be hospitable in a business setting as opposed to a personal one?
• What do you like to talk about? What about your life do you enjoy sharing with others? What do you feel comfortable sharing with strangers? How could you use similar questions to engage others?