5 TIPS FOR MAKING
NEW CONNECTIONS

We are born with the innate desire to connect with those around us. Community and a sense of belonging are necessary for survival, which drives us to seek out connection—regardless of how insignificant it might seem. 

Making connections is how friendships are built and lives are changed. Connecting with those around us and getting acquainted on a more personal level enriches our lives. Building meaningful relationships with others not only helps us make the world a better place but also helps us to have deeper empathy and become more accepting of others.  

At Paparazzi Accessories, making connections and building relationships is an integral part of what we do—it’s at the core of our mission statement: To bring strength, independence, and empowerment to individuals and their families by building confidence and financial freedom through affordable fashion. 

For some, making connections with new friends comes naturally. For others, sparking a conversation with a stranger or being the first to say hello is laced with self-doubt and the fear of rejection. 

We know it takes courage to introduce yourself to someone new. We also know you’re capable of overcoming that hurdle! Fear often subsides once you take that first step outside of your comfort zone. The next step will come more easily. And the step after that is even easier until making new connections becomes instinctive and intuitive. 

Learn to Make Connections Effortlessly

1 Smile and Make Eye Contact

We portray many emotions through our facial expressions alone, and smiling is just about the easiest thing you can do to put yourself and your new acquaintance at ease. Smiling gives you a boost of inner confidence and helps you to feel more relaxed.

When meeting a new acquaintance, be sure to share a sincere smile, one that reaches your eyes. Looking someone directly in the eyes when introduced lets them know that you’re happy and eager to connect.

 

 

 

2 Listen Actively

It's easy to let your mind wander when someone else is talking. Sometimes your brain lights up with a list of things that need to be done, or as someone is speaking, you’re miles away, focused on forming your response in your head. It might seem subtle, but there is a difference between hearing and listening actively. 

When you listen actively, it shows that you are sincerely interested in what the other person is saying. You become an active listener by following along with the conversation, nodding your head at appropriate times, asking questions, and showing genuine interest. 

Your body language can be a sure sign that you’re engaged in the conversation or not. Open arms, authentic mirroring, a slight head tilt, and shared laughter are all non-verbal signs that show you’re ready to connect.

 

3 Be Present and Engaged

Sometimes it's hard to stay present and focused on the conversation at hand, especially when you have a million things on your mind. But staying present will help you make deeper connections. 

When you’re having a conversation with someone, remember to look them in the eye. Resist the urge to look at your watch and be sure to leave your phone in your pocket. When you focus on something else, you lose the opportunity to create a meaningful connection. 

Think about a time you’ve been speaking with a friend or family member and they pull their phone out to check their messages. Whether intended or not, chances are that you felt dismissed and ignored—that what you were sharing was not worth their time.

 

 

4 Ask Questions

Another way to be engaged is to ask questions. People love to talk about themselves, and asking questions shows you’re actively taking an interest in them. Avoid making this feel like an interrogation by sharing a little about yourself, too! This type of conversation offers you an opportunity to practice the fine art of giving and receiving.

 

5 Keep the Conversation Going

To truly connect with others, it’s important to continue building the relationship. There are so many ways to develop friendships once a connection is made. We’ve come up with a few ideas below, but we know you’ll be able to find even more ways to connect. After all, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to making new friends!

 

• Connect with your new friend on social media.
• Text your new friend the next day and let them know how much you enjoyed meeting them.
• Offer a helping hand.
• Perform a simple random act of kindness.
• Make plans to visit again! Plan a lunch date and put it on your calendar. 

 

Some of the best opportunities and the biggest lessons are found when we make connections with others. People might not remember what you said during your initial conversation, but they’ll remember how they felt. And that’s what making connections is all about!