On Being Interesting: A Perspective on Tools to Network

You don’t have to be smart to be interesting.

There, I said it.

Trying to get ahead in the world is often a matter of connections. Who you know and what they’re willing to do for you are important tools to overall achievement.

But for many, networking causes anxiety. It’s labored, awkward and embarrassing. They look at others who seem natural at it. Those people are smooth, confident and articulate—always having some story to tell, something interesting to say.

Truth is, those people are probably smooth, confident and interesting. But that’s of no consequence. If the goal is to make more connections and be a better networker, then a really critical piece—in my humble opinion—is to be interesting.

So what’s the trick?

Well, I think there are several. But one of them is to read. Discover the world. It doesn’t matter if it’s a topic you’re already passionate about or if it’s something you think others will be interested in.

Find an article. Allow your eyes to fall on the words. Innate curiosity will let the real work happen. And soon, the ingredients of balsamic vinegar will reveal themselves, the mechanisms behind a pick-and-roll basketball play will no longer be a mystery or the wrangling behind how Paul McCartney, Kanye West and Rhianna got together to lay a track will be ready for retelling.

Having something to share is like pushing off the top of a waterslide. The information will gush out, propelling even the shiest of individuals to want to speak up.

And that information will reflect on the storyteller. More often than not, the message everyone around them will get is hey, this guy or gal is interesting.

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Angel Abcede is a writer for a business trade publication and the president of the Chicago Chapter of Asians & Friends, a social organization supporting gay, Asian men and those interested in Asian cultures.