5 Foolproof Ways to Connect With People

3 min readNov 10, 2023

When you have a job that involves daily interactions or dealing with people, it’s essential to connect with them to understand and adapt your actions accordingly. The pandemic has taught us what it means to be sociable, to actually talk to people physically sitting side by side. Also, you never know which connection can help you when. Sometimes you also need people to support you, people with whom you can be vulnerable. And for that you need to make meaningful connections. Some of us are introverts or suffer from social anxiety which makes it difficult to strike a connection with strangers or acquaintances. So, here are five ways you can connect with people.

1. Be a good listener

When someone tells you something, whatever it might be, listen to it. Don’t interrupt them. Even if it is something that remotely interests you, listen to it and try to make neutral comments. Sometimes people share something with you not because they want you to comment but because they just want to listen and rant. If you’re unsure how to respond, try saying something like, “I understand. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been. It will be fine,” or something along those lines.

2. Initiate interesting conversations

Nothing can spark their interest more in you than when you begin an interesting conversation. It’s time we move away from discussing the weather and the expensive coffee at the airport. Make real conversations. Ask them about their work or their interests. You are sure to discover some common grounds. Discuss more on that. Shallow conversations are often unfulfilling and draining. You cannot really get a glimpse of a person from it.

3. Be respectful of boundaries

Having encouraged interesting conversations, I should also remind you that you must be aware of the boundary. If you realize that the other person is not opening up or is touchy about a subject. Do not pester them or try to convince them why they should open up to you. Give them time, and if you become a source of comfort, they may open up naturally. Try to maintain boundaries for yourself too. Avoid oversharing, as it can make the meeting awkward and uncomfortable.

4. Extend invitations and collaborations

Say you had an informal meeting with your potential client. Do not end the conversation there. Click a picture, tag them on the post, only if they want to of course. Keep the conversation going. Ask them about their social media handles, send follow requests. Invite them on talks or soiree if you are hosting one or visiting one. Ask them for tiny collaborations which could benefit both of you. And you will see if the other person is enjoying your company and liking your vibe, they too will send you invitations back. But again, you must not over do it. Keep it casual; it must not seem like you are stalking them.

5. Be authentic

The final piece to the puzzle. Be yourself. It is crucial that you remember this, that you must be yourself. If you fake your laughter and your emotions, you can only put up the act for a certain period of time. The other person is bound to find that out at some point and it would be devastating for either of you. So voice your likes and dislikes from day one. Do not hesitate to reach out or speak up. And just be comfortable in your skin. If they are not happy with how you are, well that’s fine, the connection was never meant to be.

Connecting with people and maintaining it is not as difficult as it sounds. You have to be polite, empathetic, understanding and receive them with a smile. You must also be careful that you are giving enough space. Be it a personal or professional relationship, these rules apply to either of them. So, next time you are meeting someone, keep these handy.

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