Stories Build Relationships

In 2006, I had the privilege of being a guest on Dan Miller’s podcast, 48 Days To The Work You Love. Being invited was no small feat because Dan rarely had guests. What made it happen? A simple yet impactful story about my son.

I had attended one of Dan’s events and shared the tale over breakfast. He loved it so much that he invited me to record an episode. At the time, I was speaking at a conference in California, but I rearranged my schedule to make it work. I wasn’t going to miss that opportunity!

Fast forward, my story wasn’t just heard; it built a bridge. Dan and I became great friends and he even became a mentor for many years.

So, here’s the takeaway: Telling your stories can build incredible relationships! Whether it’s in your personal life, at work, or while networking. Use two questions to guide you when thinking about sharing a story:

• Is it relevant to the conversation?
• Will the person benefit from hearing it?

In my case, a story about a little boy playing violin on a street corner led to a lasting connection and mentorship. Don’t hold back. Share your stories and see where they take you and the wonderful connections you’ll build along the way.