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Updated: March 19, 2025

The art of conversation: Why talking to strangers is good for business

By Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications

If you know me, you know I can talk with almost anyone, from the cashier at Hannaford to the local bank's president. I am endlessly curious about people, so I really enjoy talking with people and learning about them.

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Nancy Marshall, Marshall Communications

In an age where technology has made it easier to connect with anyone via social media or instant messaging, we often overlook the simple yet profound value of face-to-face interactions. As a PR maven, I can attest that building relationships, establishing trust, and creating networks usually starts with a simple conversation.

Whether in an airport lounge, a bustling restaurant, or a hotel lobby, the opportunities to engage with strangers can be transformative — personally and professionally.

Here are several compelling reasons why conversing with a stranger can yield remarkable benefits for your business endeavors. To:

Expand your network

Networking is essential in any industry. When you speak with someone new, you are not just gaining a new contact, but potentially opening doors to new opportunities. Airports, restaurants, and hotels are melting pots of diverse individuals from various backgrounds, industries, and expertise. You never know who you might meet—a potential client, a collaborator, or even a mentor. Each stranger you engage with can become a valuable addition to your professional network.

Gain new perspectives

Conversations with strangers can offer fresh insights and perspectives that you might not encounter in your usual circles. Different backgrounds and experiences can lead to discussions that challenge your assumptions or spark innovative ideas. Whether you’re discussing industry trends, marketing strategies, or customer service approaches, you may find that an outsider's viewpoint can help you see things in a new light and inspire creative solutions to existing challenges.

Build confidence and communication skills 

Engaging with strangers can significantly boost your confidence and enhance your communication skills. Each conversation is a chance to practice articulating your thoughts, listening actively, and responding thoughtfully. Over time, the skills honed through these interactions can translate into more effective networking, sales pitches, and presentations in your professional life. The more you talk to strangers, the more comfortable you become in various social situations, which can set you apart in the business world.

Create authentic connections 

In a world dominated by digital communication, face-to-face interactions are inherently valuable. Building authentic connections with people often requires more than just an online exchange. When you engage someone in person, you convey sincerity through body language, tone, and eye contact—elements that are often lost in digital communication. These genuine connections can lead to long-lasting relationships, fostering trust and collaboration that can benefit your business in the long run. I try to convey my energy, enthusiasm and authenticity with every conversation. I’m not just talking for the sake of talking. I genuinely want to create a new relationship. 

Learn from experiences 

Everyone you meet has a story to tell; their experiences can often teach you invaluable lessons. Whether it's a traveler sharing their insights on customer service in the hospitality industry or a business owner discussing their challenges while starting up, these narratives can offer rich learning opportunities. By listening to others, you can glean insights that may help you avoid common pitfalls or adopt successful strategies you might not have considered otherwise.

Enhance your person brand visibility 

Every interaction is an opportunity to showcase your personal brand. When you engage with someone, you can subtly introduce your business, share what you do, and highlight your expertise. You may be surprised at how quickly word-of-mouth spreads. A simple conversation can lead to referrals, collaborations, or new clients. By being approachable and engaging, you enhance not only your visibility but also the visibility of your brand.

Foster community and collaboration

Talking to strangers can help foster a sense of community. By engaging with others, we contribute to a culture of collaboration rather than competition. Building relationships with people in your local area can lead to partnerships that benefit everyone involved. In Maine, where community ties often run deep, nurturing these connections can yield significant dividends for your business and the local economy.  In this day and age, people crave human connection more than almost anything. 

Uncover opportunities for growth

Many entrepreneurs find inspiration in unexpected places. A casual chat with a fellow traveler could reveal a gap in the market or an unmet need that your business could address. Strangers can provide feedback on your ideas, helping you refine your offerings and make informed decisions. The more you engage, the more you learn about potential opportunities for growth and development.

It takes emotional intelligence to know what to say, when, and how to say it. You need to first assess whether the other person wants to talk with you.

By looking at the person’s face, you can usually make a quick assessment whether or not they are in the mood to chat. Of course, my younger son wishes I would never talk to a stranger again. He hates traveling with me, unfortunately, because he doesn’t want to have to engage in conversations with strangers. I guess that’s why he chose to be a jet pilot rather than take over my PR agency. He still needs to chat with his passengers on his jet, and luckily he learned from someone who was born to connect…his dear old Mother! 
 

About the author

Nancy Marshall, a frequent Mainebiz contributor, is the owner of Marshall Communications. 

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