Have you ever noticed how curiosity can magically lead us to explore new things, learn and even connect? It’s the spark that keeps us fascinated with the world and lights up our desire to truly get to know others. I’ve always been a curious person; love asking questions and diving deeper with people to “find out more”. In the world of relationship marketing, that very curiosity has become my superpower.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
- Albert Einstein
According to the Oxford Dictionary, curiosity is a strong desire to know or learn something. It’s often associated with childhood wonder. I constantly hear “why?” and “how” questions from my little granddaughter who’s filled with curiosity about everything.
It’s not confined to our childhood, however. It’s a trait that continues to influence us throughout our lives, shaping the way we approach people and experiences. Beyond the surface-level appeal, curiosity is a fundamental aspect of human connection. Think back to a time when someone was genuinely interested in your thoughts and experiences. Remember how that made you feel? Like you were seen, heard, and valued. That’s the magic of curiosity, and it’s so important to forming REAL relationships.
Relationships, whether personal or professional, thrive on open communication and genuine interest. In his book A Curious Mind, Brian Grazer says: “Curiosity presumes that there might be something outside our own experience out there. Curiosity allows the possibility that the way we’re doing it now isn’t the only way, or even the best way.”
- Brian Grazer Brian Grazer is an award-winning Hollywood producer, and partner in Imagine Entertainment (with Ron Howard). He’s known for the movies Splash, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, – and TV shows Arrested Development and Friday Night Lights, Empire, 24 – to name a few standouts. I loved his book and identified with his heightened curiosity, which I believe changed the direction of his career very early on.
Curiosity extends to the digital world too. I live in the world of LinkedIn. Part of my business is to help professionals and entrepreneurs create their LinkedIn profiles, which contributes in a big way to their online identity. Believe it or not, infusing the LinkedIn profile with curiosity can make a significant impact.
What do I mean?
Consider the small details that often go unnoticed – your interests, volunteer work, that cause you’re passionate about, or even a hobby. Including these seemingly unrelated aspects can spark curiosity in your profile visitors, encouraging them to ask and connect on a more personal level. I even like to hide a couple of details in a special area – to see who the curious viewers are. It truly is the little things that spark big connections.
Try honing your curiosity skills when prospecting, either online or off, by paying attention to the smaller details (while reading a LinkedIn profile perhaps) and asking the unexpected questions. Your curiosity will likely impress your prospect.
Is curiosity innate or learned?
Is curiosity something we’re born with or something we pick up along the way? On my podcast, Relationships Rule, (Danielle was a recent guest if you want to give it a listen) I like to ask this question to my guests, and their answers vary a great deal. Some believe that curiosity is part of our DNA, while others believe it’s a skill that can be learned and cultivated through practice. Almost as many guests think curiosity can be both innate and learned. Here are some responses:
“I think we’re curious when we’re in a safe environment to ask questions and make mistakes.” - Matt H.
“Curiosity, the word itself is exciting, because it means lifelong learner. When you stop being curious, you’re on autopilot.” - Dan G.
“We need curiosity, but we also need frustration. If we don't have that frustration, we won't be curious.” - Machen M.
This continues to intrigue me, and one thing I truly believe is that being curious is a huge factor in the ability to unlock better relationships. Whichever camp you’re in – innate or learned – it doesn’t matter because you can actually cultivate your curiosity, you can improve on it, any time.
All you have to do is start asking questions! You don’t have to interrogate people, just show a genuine interest in people. You’ll be surprised how people will open up and in no time, they’re telling you stories that they haven’t told anyone for a long time, or even at all.
As you venture forth, let your curiosity guide you. Embrace curiosity, nurture it, and watch how it transforms the way you build connections that truly matter. Want to know how? Contact me and let’s chat.
Janice Porter began her career as a school teacher. But for the past several years as a business owner, she still teaches… only now it’s “big kids”. She has an innate curiosity and has leveraged that into building relationships and teaching others how to do the same. Her passion is working with business professionals and entrepreneurs who want to build their businesses through relationship marketing and networking. LinkedIn training is a huge part of her business. She believes that anyone in business or looking for a new career position needs to have a professional LinkedIn profile, and that LinkedIn is a powerful, under-utilized online platform for attracting new clients and generating leads. Janice also shows clients how to implement a tangible touch follow-up system with clients, prospects, and associates to stay in front of them, while at the same time celebrating and appreciating them on a consistent basis. As a thank you, she's offering you a free download to her e-book: 7 Steps to Build Solid Business Relationships that Last, which is filled with strategies to help you grow your business.
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