All my best opportunities came from making meaningful connections. But how do we connect in a world that is increasingly noisy with social media and distractions?

And how can we move from small talk to "real talk", in order to feel fuelled by our connections? How do we mutually benefit each other in our connections?

Here's a 10 minutes read that you may apply right away this week.

Mindset:

1. Don't pre-judge the person. Their "Director" title doesn't automatically mean they don't want to hear your opinion. Their education level doesn't dictate their intelligence.
2. Meaningful Connections are formed through two-way conversations, not one-way rants. Many at times, instead of actually having a conversation, we are waiting for our turn to speak. Listen to understand, and get genuinely curious about the person you're speaking to.

> Useful resource: Own Your Voice Pod EP06: How to have Better Conversations to Build Deep Relationships

Heart-set:

1. Simply by you being PRESENT, you are creating an impact. Sometimes we feel like we need to talk more to fill the silence, or prove ourselves to be worth a conversation. Nope. Instead of trying to "prove yourself", simply observe how you can give the person what they need at that point in time -- a listening ear? Connecting them with a friend you know that can help? The less you try to "prove yourself", the more you can observe and listen actively.
2. Fill your own cup, so you have more than enough to overflow unto others. There are times you just... don't have it in you to connect. If so, find out why. Are you drained? Are you burnt out? Give yourself what you need at the moment.

> Useful resource: Own Your Voice Pod EP01: The Power of Your Voice You May Not Realise (and How to Unleash it)

> Another useful resource: What to do when you feel like DOING NOTHING (how to get motivated) -- my latest YouTube video!

Skillset:

1. Move from Small Talk to Real Talk by asking more purposeful questions that will reveal their Passions, Purpose, Interests, Values.
2. Share your Story. When you share your story, you prompt others to share theirs, and our story is one way we reveal who we are and what we stand for.

> Useful resource: EP02: How to Own Your Story to Set You Apart in Your Industry

> another Useful resource: EP09: The Number One Skill that will Grow Your Career and Business (with Bibiana Lim)

With this, I encourage you to take a courageous step to make a new connection this week. Whether it's a auntie you meet at the bus stop, or a colleague you haven't spoken to at the water cooler - say hi! You'll never know where it leads.

The last time I said "hi" to a random person at a networking event... it turned into a corporate training deal! :)

Also... I'd love to invite you to my NEXT Own Your Voice Talkshow on 10 June!

After MONTHS of curating the BEST guests for our next Own Your Voice Live, In-Person Talkshow on 10 June... WE HAVE A BRILLIANT LINE UP! (seriously, you'll be receiving MASTERCLASSES that in my opinion is worth more than any traditional education)

EP3 – Building a Career You’re Proud of

Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm

You see people on LinkedIn rising up the ranks in their corporate career or entrepreneurship journey at a young age and you wonder — How can I do the same? Can I do the same?

In this episode, we’re going to have an intimate conversation with people who broke through mental barriers, career challenges, and society’s stereotypes to build a career they are proud of. You’ll take away the practical action steps and essential perspectives to build the career you’re proud of.

EP4 – Speaking Up for Yourself

Time: 8pm – 10pm

You see your friends working endless overtime or getting shut down by a toxic colleague. You hear stories about abusive relationships and/or loveless ones. You think — If it happens to me, I’ll definitely speak up. But do you? It’s difficult to speak up for ourselves, especially when the situation isn’t black and white, or you’re afraid of ‘ruffling up feathers’ especially early on in your career. But choosing not to speak up for yourself inevitably shows others that they can treat you any way they want.

In this episode, we interview people who continuously speak up for themselves at work and in their relationships. You’ll gain a deeper understanding about yourself and your trauma patterns, and take away practical steps on how to have difficult conversations.

Take a Look at the Line-Up of GUESTS + Grab your seats here: http://bit.ly/scapeownyourvoice

See you there! :)