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Welcome to another edition of Five Minute Friday! Today, I want to explore a quote that sparked thought for me. The quote goes: “To be interesting, you have to be interesting. To be loved, you have to love. To be friends, you have to be friendly. And to be interesting, you’ve got to be interested.”

This simple yet profound statement holds valuable insights, especially for those of us navigating the realms of business and personal growth. Let’s unpack what it means and how it can transform our interactions and relationships.

To Be Interesting, You Have To Be Interested

The Essence of Genuine Interest

In today’s fast-paced world, whether you’re at a networking event, a community gathering, or even a casual meet-up, the desire to make meaningful connections and attract interest to your business is natural. However, the key to achieving this lies not in talking about yourself but in showing genuine interest in others.

When you enter any social setting, consider this approach:

1. Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others are saying without immediately thinking of your response. Show that you value their stories and experiences.
2. Ask Questions: Inquire about their business, their passions, and their challenges. This demonstrates that you care about their journey.

By doing this, you create a space where people feel valued and understood. This, in turn, makes them more likely to take an interest in you and your business.

Reflecting on Your Social Media Presence

The concept of being interested applies equally to your online presence. Whether you’re planning a live video, scheduling social media posts, or engaging with your audience, strive to be the person you’d want to interact with. It’s akin to the golden rule: treat others how you wish to be treated.

Here are some tips:

• Engage Authentically: Respond to comments and messages with genuine interest. Ask your audience questions and encourage them to share their thoughts.
• Provide Value: Share content that addresses your audience’s needs and interests. This could be tips, insights, or stories that resonate with them.

Leading by Example

This principle also extends to leadership. If you’re a business owner or manager, your behavior sets the tone for your team. If you’re not seeing the attitudes or behaviors you hope for in your employees, reflect on your own actions. Are you leading by example? Are you showing the same level of respect and interest in your team members that you expect from them?

Similarly, consider your interactions with customers and vendors. The way you treat them often mirrors how they will treat you. If you desire respect and loyalty, make sure you’re extending those same courtesies.

The Takeaway: Flip the Script

Whenever you face challenges in your business or relationships, take a moment to flip the script:

• Ask Yourself: Am I being interesting or am I being interested?
• Reflect: How am I showing up for others? Am I treating them the way I want to be treated?

Remember, at the end of the day, you receive what you give. So, the next time you find yourself at a social event, engaging online, or leading your team, remember that to be interesting, you first have to be genuinely interested in others.

By cultivating this mindset, you’ll not only build stronger connections but also foster a more positive and engaging environment around you.

In This Episode

• 31 Days of Social Media Content for Your Boutique

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