My Advice, Talk to Everyone

I read that best selling author Ken Blanchard (The One-Minute Manager) talked to everyone—the cab driver, the cashier, and the person sitting next to him on a plane. He was inquisitive, interested, and into people. It's not easy talking to strangers. It's tempting to put your ear buds in and ignore everyone around you. Plus, who has the time to talk? I get it. And still... After one of my keynote speeches I didn't have time to change out of my fancy suit and into my travel wear (Think: shorts and flip flops). Thank goodness. The flight attendant walked the aisles before take off and stopped at my row and said, "It's your lucky day, you look like you belong in first class, come with me." Okay! Seated next to me (it turned out) was a very successful entrepreneur who—I later found out—owns a private plane, but had to fly commercial for this leg of his travels. I don't know if he sensed I felt a little self-conscious (I wasn't quite sure what to do with the little warm hand towel) so he started up a conversation. Fast forward a couple of years and I am going to help him with his memoir. When opportunity strikes say, "Yes". When trying to decide to talk to strangers or retreat into yourself, talk. When traveling, look your best.