1. The World Is a Friendly Place

Even in today’s world where governments jockey for dominance and wars are being fought on many continents, there is a commonality among human beings that makes random connecting possible. Wherever you travel—across nations, cultures, societies, races, creeds, and colors—you will find that everyone has a common set of desires: to be acknowledged, understood, respected, and appreciated. Almost everyone around the globe appreciates a hot meal, a good night’s sleep, the innocence of a child, a funny joke, or a good story. And right below the surface, just about everyone has a smile, a chuckle, a willingness to meet you halfway, and a desire to help a fellow human being. That’s because many of us face similar challenges, struggle with similar issues, and desire similar things. You smile, and other people smile. You shrug; they shrug. You just can’t get away from it.

To be a successful random connector, you must trust first and foremost—from the moment you leave your house each day—that the world is a friendly place. After all, if you don’t believe that the world is friendly, you won’t reach out to strangers and will instead be withdrawn and isolated. But by assuming people are fundamentally friendly, your attitude will operate in a way that gives you the confidence to approach others and allow you to discover all that’s possible from your new random encounter.

There is a commonality of experience that just about everyone can relate to. It’s the thread of humanity that connects us as human beings. Everywhere I’ve ever been around the world, across cultures, ages, races, and income levels, I have found that almost everyone:

• Likes ice cream and chocolate chip cookies.
• Thinks kids are cute (and are proud of their own).
• Wants a good night’s sleep.
• Will laugh at a good joke.
• Loves a good story (especially when the underdog comes out on top).
• Hates waiting in line and appreciates good customer service.
• Enjoys a warm meal.
• Seeks to be loved, acknowledged, understood, and appreciated.
• Wants more from life.
• Is looking for human connection.

These are among the common threads of human existence that give us connecting points with other people and turn strangers into associates, colleagues, partners, and friends. It’s how we penetrate the veil of isolation that threatens to limit our lives, and open up a world of opportunity. It’s how we get a smile, a running start on a great conversation, and potential that exceeds our wildest imagination.