Try this one simple move...

Welcome to the Storybook

Each week, I share… ✍️

• a definition 🤓

• a quick story 📖

• a mindset shift 🤯

• an opportunity list 💡

…to keep you going, personally and professionally. 🚀

My son turns 12 on Saturday.

🥳 HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK! 🥳

He just started middle school, and it’s kind of a big deal.

Socially, things are getting more important.

He’s got all the confidence in the world within his circle of friends, on the baseball field, and the basketball court, but in a new social setting he’s usually a quiet kid.

He’s not the first one to throw out a joke or introduce himself right away.

I think it’s because he’s a deep thinker and can get lost in his thoughts, just observing.

However, it does bother him when other kids ask why he’s being so quiet.

So sometimes he’s caught off guard and doesn’t know what to say.

As his parents it’s our job to provide the necessary tools and resources to arm him for the bewildering battlefield of teenage encounters.

Definitely not easy, when I’m trying to be a “cool" dad and still navigating the wild world of new slang like, mewing and what the sigma? 🤷‍♂️

The advice I gave him, be… POSITIVELY INQUISITIVE.

Meaning ask questions to get a positive reaction and avoid doing it in a fake or annoying way.

Genuinely care and it’ll be much easier to engage in conversation with new people without feeling the need to be impressive.

So the next time a kid asks…

Why are you being so quiet?

Respond with…

Oh, I’m just chillin… What did you do this weekend?

Blah, blah, blah...

That sounds awesome! Have you been watching the Olympics?

Blah, blah, blah…

Yeah, it was so cool to see Noah Liles win GOLD!

And now he’s removed the initial awkwardness, is involved in a back and forth conversation, sharing stories of interest, and potentially meeting a new friend.

Now where could I have possibly gotten this idea to share with him?

Let me explain…

🤯 THE MINDSET SHIFT 🤯

This works with adults too.

No matter if you’re an extrovert and have no problem starting a conversation or if you’re an introvert and nervous to break the ice…

…try to be interested, instead of interesting.

Read that again.

When at a networking event or a new social setting, open the door for opportunity with a short, positive statement, or even a joke, to bring their guard down.

Then ask a question.

• What have you been working on this week?

Respond with a compliment.

• Nice! Sounds like you’ve been doing some amazing things.

And ask another question.

• What are you up to next?

Then, perhaps with some witty back and forth, find relatable topics, share quick stories, and ask more questions to keep it rolling.

POSITIVELY INQUISITIVE.

The goal is to get them talking more than you, and responding with a smile.

Most people like to hear themselves talk.

They like to share their stories or expertise.

They like to be a resource and help others.

Being POSITIVELY INQUISITIVE gives them that nudge.

It makes them feel special when you are interested in them.

And oddly enough, it actually makes them like you more, and you’ve barely even shared anything about yourself.

This simple, and yet, masterful move will leave a good impression…

…and create many future opportunities through new and existing relationships.

There is a time and place to be the well received, most impressive person in the room, but more often than not, you won’t get those opportunities or actually become interesting, without first being interested in others and genuinely caring about their world.

So, at your next opportunity…

Be interested, not interesting.

💡 AN OPPORTUNITY LIST 💡

a short list of ideas, learnings, recommendations, or happenings for the week

1. If you’d like to wish my son, Jack, a HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY, feel free to reply to this email and I’ll share it with him. 🥳 I know he’d love it!

2. If you’d like to grow your business through referral, and try developing new relationships by being POSITIVELY INQUISITIVE, I’d be happy to have you come as my guest to my next business networking meeting.

3. This is it! ONE WEEK AWAY from 👉 The JUMP Workshop Event on Thursday, August 15th. Early bird tickets have expired, but use this promo code: OPPOFLOW25 to knock $25 off. Only a few spots remain. Last chance to snag your spot. Don’t miss it my friends.

Opportunity is Everywhere.

Cheers, Steven

Watch Episode #63 from the SuccessFlow Podcast.