Joe Keohane

If you’re like my wife, you’re terrified of talking to strangers. You also probably think it doesn’t really matter, but you’re wrong explains Joe Keohane, author of The Power of Strangers. Keohane is a seasoned writer/editor for many loved publications and becomes obsessed with why we don’t to strangers. It turns out, talking to strangers is easier than you think, and has tangible benefits for you at work and in your personal relationships.

 

 

The Power of Strangers

According to Keohane’s website, The Power of Strangers is an “inspiring look at why we don’t talk to strangers, how we can, and what happens when we do.” That’s a very accurate description. He digs through the thick history of various cultures’ struggle with human connection, but most importantly the value of engaging people you’ve never met.

Keohane also shares the research and toxicity of group-think, tribalism, and the truly hilarious social cues that make one particular group more trustworthy than another. For example, to elicit trust all it takes is a Boston Red Sox cap, or a same-color T-Shirt. He also discusses how overcoming our fear of talking to strangers can lead to more innovation, more breakthroughs and better problem-solving.

What would happen if our politicians, and company executives connected to each other, listened, empathized, and trusted each other?

 

 

 

Connect with Joe Keohane

Joe Keohane is a writer and editor for well-known brands like Esquire, Entrepreneur, Wired, Boston Magazine, and The New Yorker.

• Keohane’s website is here
• Keohane’s Twitter profile is here
• Buy his book on Amazon, HOWEVER… the best way to buy the book is to visit your local bookstore where you can strike up a conversation with a stranger. The book can break the ice!

 

Talking to LOTS of Strangers Can Boost Your Brand

If you’re an entrepreneur or tech exec, imagine what getting a major press hit would do for your company. It would reach thousands of strangers. Sign up for my newsletter and I’ll send you a free PDF guide to get more press in just 10 days, plus a lot of SEO and content resources. Enter your name and email, and it will arrive in the next 5 minutes.