The church that I grew up attending had a saying that really represented the heart of that congregation. Their motto was that strangers are friends we haven’t yet met. It was their way of welcoming newcomers to the church. And they truly stood by those words. To this day it was the friendliest and most welcoming church I’ve attended.

Now that was all fine and good inside the church walls, but outside in the real world you were generally taught not to talk to strangers. Growing up in the New York/ New Jersey area you definitely learn not to talk to strangers, and not to make eye contact if you can help it. For one, we are way too busy to talk to strangers in the north east (ain’t nobody got time for that). And two, it’s a general rule of thumb to assume that strangers are either crazy or trying to scam you (especially in NYC).  So you can imagine my culture shock when I moved down to Florida where random people that you don’t even know start saying hi to you and engaging you in conversation.

My first few months of living here I found myself to still be guarded and protected. Not wanting to participate in the friendly exchange. However, over time I found myself opening up more and making chit chat with people who crossed my path. But at times there was still that New Yorker in me that just wanted to run my errands, avoid eye contact, and be left alone.

When I started my business this past year I realized that I was going to have to become that type of person that could easily and openly talk to strangers. After all when you are trying to grow your business you want to talk to everyone and anyone that will listen. This was a bit of an adjustment for me at first, but I soon became more comfortable talking to strangers whether I was at yoga, buying groceries, or at a networking meeting. And to my surprise I actually enjoyed it. I began making new friends, creating new connections, and even getting a few new patients. Plus it made all the marketing events I had to do more exciting, because I never knew who I might meet.

Just recently I connected with a lovely woman at a street fair. It was one of those instant bonds. Within a few minutes of talking we were exchanging numbers and I knew that we would become fast friends. A few days later she called me and invited me to attend a swanky event with her at the Ritz. And let me tell you this event was quite the unforgettable experience. Wine tasting, fashion show, full course lunch, fabulous shoes, and not to mention the swag bag filled with free goodies. I was beyond grateful to have been there. And as I was reflecting back on this past week I realized that this connection would never have happened if I had stayed that guarded protected girl who didn’t look people in the eye. I never would have engaged in conversation with a stranger, and not only would I have missed out on this event but I would miss out on a great friendship as well.

It’s so easy to pass through life ignoring each other. But you never know if that stranger that you are passing by could become a new great friend, introduce you to your future spouse, or maybe be a potential client. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stop every person that crosses your path and engage in conversation. But you could try being more open to that possibility. Look people in the eye when you are walking by. Smile and nod, or even say hello when appropriate. Yes you will get a lot of people that will just ignore your friendly advance, but do it anyway. Who knows the smile you give might just make someones day even if they don’t acknowledge it. 

This week make it a goal to talk to one new person every day. Talk to people in line at the grocery store, while you’re working out at the gym, or maybe you can even introduce yourself to someone new in your neighborhood. Let’s do more connecting and less ignoring. Let’s look each other in the eye and acknowledge one another. Let’s meet as strangers and part as friends.