Trust, Curiosity & Connection: A Real Moment on LinkedIn

I got invited to connect with a stranger this week on LinkedIn, and once we introduced ourselves, he took a moment to look at my profile. What happened next was simple, human, and surprisingly impactful.

The conversation went a little like this:

NED: Thank you for connecting. What a great profile you have! Very knowledgeable person! Take care...

ME: Thanks Ned, it’s nice to meet you!

NED: Thank you... that is nice of you! With all your vast knowledge, what are some of the key things to sustain a small business? And why do so many fail?

Now, I’ll be honest: my inner trust radar lit up. My mind immediately started running through the usual checklist:

• What’s he trying to sell me?
• Is this even a real profile?
• Is he a stalker?
• Or… does he genuinely value my insight based on my profile?

That internal dialogue? It happens every time a stranger messages me. And honestly, I think it’s a smart filter in today’s digital world. We have to pause, assess, and protect our space. But we also need to stay open enough not to miss a real opportunity for connection.

Once I got past the first four questions and felt a little more grounded, I moved into curiosity:

• Could I help him?
• Could he help me?
• Could I help someone in his network?

So, I leaned in. Instead of asking why he was asking, I just answered. I took five genuine minutes to share insights I’ve spent years gathering, not because I expected anything in return; but because I’ve stopped guarding my knowledge out of fear. If it can help someone, I share it.

Here’s what I told him:

"That’s a loaded question, Ned! I’ve created a lot of content on this topic, but here’s a start…"

People get stuck if they:

• Don’t have an open mind
• Aren’t enjoying the journey
• Don’t have a vision
• Lack a good plan
• Don’t manage their time
• Live in the comfort zone
• Avoid personal development
• Don’t know how to deal with obstacles
• Don’t understand their boosters
• Don’t invite accountability
• Don’t create their own definition of success

Too many entrepreneurs underestimate the role reflection and personal development play in building a sustainable business. And if you’re curious, we’ve developed coaching programs for leaders and entrepreneurs who want to overcome these challenges. 

NED: Thank you... Shannon. I’ve read a lot... but your response is the best I’ve ever seen. Makes so much sense. One could write a book on those points. You are very good at what you do!

ME: Thanks Ned! Creating content and facilitating for sales professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders is what I do :) Let me know if I can ever be of further assistance.

NED: Yes, for sure… I just don’t know with what yet.

And just like that, a quality connection happened.

It didn’t take a pitch. It didn’t take a flashy funnel. It took trust and a little willingness to lean in.

You have to give a little trust to gain a little trust. And without it, you’ll miss the chance to create a quality connection.