Leigh Thomas Brown shows how asking specific questions that invite personal stories transforms a contact list into community. When people share anecdotes about their day or memorable managers, others tune in, creating ripple effects of conversation and connection.
The next most important thing about building community in this network is after you learn how to answer the questions in a cheerful and interesting way yourself, maybe start asking some questions. Ooh, tell me the best part of your day today. What did your professional life look like today? Tell me the best manager you've ever had. Tell me the worst interview you've ever conducted. Ask people really specific questions because when you're starting to gather their stories, your network goes from a list of names to an actual community. Here's what I mean by that. You asked a question and they started telling a story. Well, now the two of you are talking, but you know what happens in the background, in the periphery? People start to listen in. People love being a part of storytelling. So suddenly you'll have four people around you. Well, now your network feels interconnected by someone else's story.
