Is that other person SO different from you … that it matters?

I don’t think so.

I trust the simple, people-to-people level.  Meaning, the person who exists behind that exterior you see.

I’m in a Subway shop, at a busy lunch time, ordering a sandwich. The young girl ahead of me is ordering for 3 people, so things are getting confusing – our verbal sandwich-topping choices are getting overlapped. The perfect time to start a conversation with her.

BUT … I could have chickened out! Why? She’s way different from me: young, cute, trendy hair colors, light piercings, small tattoos, etc. However, my years of social confidence kick in. I trust myself – knowing that there’s something deeper to her, a story that would make her an interesting person to talk to and engage in conversation. I go for a conversation starter I’ve used before.

She smiles and makes a similar comment of her own. Suddenly, all of those differences are gone. (The piercings and tattoos seemed smaller, the trendy hair less trendy.)

We exchange a final, “Have a good day” and we’re back to our life routines, each a bit happier/lighter for the brief encounter.

Are you daring to communicate on a people-to-people level and not inhibited by perceived differences? My guess is it will surprise you. You’ll have conversations with the craziest people – people different from you. You will never know what you might find out, or have in common, or actually, how easy it is.

When your usual fears pop up, don’t engage them, push them away and go for it. Enjoy the outcome that will ultimately present itself. Trust yourself. People like people, especially when they let down their guards and let down their prejudices !!!

There you have it: don’t discount networking in a Subway!