My parents were never the kind of people to buy into the “Don’t talk to strangers” philosophy. After all, while they were on stage performing, I took off around the venue talking to whoever I could. Then, as a teenager, I spent years selling newspaper subscriptions door-to-door, which led me talk to thousands of strangers. And to this day, I try to make small talk with everyone I meet. I do it because people are interesting. You just never know what story you’ll hear, or what will inspire you from a simple chance meeting. I was just leaving a comment on The Klever Kris blog and was saying something like this to him, so figured it’d make a good post in itself, me talking about how I talk to strangers.
On Memorial Day in Boston I started talking to some guys sitting next to me at a bar. Now, almost a month later, I still am in touch with one about random stuff. I have a friend Laura who met a guy about 10 years ago in an elevator at a hotel. She’s like me; she’ll talk to anyone. To this day, they are still wonderful friends. It’s just cool to get outside your circle and see who else is out there, even if it’s a one time exchange, or something that buds into a friendship, a business connection, etc. I like learning about other people, what makes them tick, what they do, and of course, I love to hear any funny anecdotes they may have. I’ve just always been curious in nature and that’s perhaps why getting into journalism always appealed to me– I like asking questions and learning and researching. What? There’s like 7 billion people in the world? I’d like to get to know as many as I can.
Donna,
Do you remember me? I was the crew manager that you worked for selling newspapers way back when. I am still running a crew. Drop me a line.
Joe
Hi Joe!
Yes, I do remember you! I remember being so excited when I saw the ad in the Times Leader for a newspaper crew. I think I was a sophomore in college, or at that point, had already left school- can’t remember the exact timing. But it was great to be able to get back one out there one last time and sell papers! I know I didn’t work for you very long, but thanks for taking me on.
Are you still in the area, or working elsewhere? I’ve rekindled my friendship with all the guys from Tulsa that I worked with, and most of them are still involved, with accounts all over the country. Incredible.
How did you come across my blog? Were you searching terms like “newspaper crew?” That’s pretty coincidentally that you actually found ME! Wow! My e-mail is donnatalarico@gmail.com. Shoot me a line if you want. Hope all is well with you and the family.