Show Genuine Interest In Others
The most human way to grow your personal brand
Here is one truth that never goes out of style. People want to feel seen and heard. Dale Carnegie said it decades ago, and it still holds up in a world that scrolls faster than it listens. When you show genuine interest in another person, they remember that, they remember how you made them feel. I help people build personal brands that feel like them and open real doors. I have watched this one principle transform brands again and again. The moment a client stops broadcasting and starts connecting, everything changes. Comments become conversations. Followers become friends. Opportunities begin to land in the inbox like unexpected sunshine.
Let us break this down in the most practical way possible.
Broadcasting versus connecting
Broadcasting is what most people do online. They push content out and hope for something to come back. Connecting is different. Connecting is when your content and your presence make someone feel like you are speaking to them, not at them. The spotlight shifts from look at me to I see you.
Ask yourself a simple question before you post. Would my audience say that is me when they read this. If the answer is no, reframe it. You are not watering down your perspective. You are aligning it with the person who needs it.
The easiest growth lever you are not pulling
It is called sincere attention. Not strategy. Not a hack. Not a trending audio clip. Sincere attention. When you give it, people move closer. They reply. They introduce you to others. They remember you when they have a project, a role, or a referral. You cannot fake it. The good news is you never need to.
Here is the move. For fifteen minutes a day, become the person who notices. Notice the effort behind a post. Notice the detail in someone’s story. Notice the thoughtfulness behind a question. Then respond like a human who cares.
The 5 by 5 ritual
This is my favorite micro practice for consistent connection.
Five thoughtful comments
Five private messages with no agenda
That is it. Ten small human moments. Every weekday. Keep it going for one month and watch what happens.
Here are examples to make it easy. Comment starters you can borrow:
LinkedIn
I loved how you framed this as a lesson learned.
What surprised you most once you tried it?
Your take on client boundaries is so clear.
Have you noticed any ripple effects on referrals?
This data point is powerful.
How are you planning to measure progress over the next quarter?
Instagram
This made me stop scrolling.
The way you explained the behind-the-scenes made me feel like I was there
Your carousel is so helpful. Slide three is the one I am saving. Thank you for the clarity
This win is well earned.
What felt hardest in the middle that we would not see from the outside?
TikTok
The ending question pulled me in. Here is my take
I tried this today because of your video. My quick result
Bookmarked. If you make a part two, I would love to see an example from a service business
Five message templates with zero agenda:
Your consistency has been inspiring. No ask.
Just wanted you to know your work is landing. I shared your post with a client today because it was exactly what they needed. Thank you for creating it
Noticed your launch. Cheering you on. If you want an outside perspective on a headline, happy to offer a thought.
Saw your update about life outside work. Sending you a little encouragement. You are doing great!
You handled that comment thread with such grace. It is not easy to hold your line in public. Respect
Send those as is. Or tweak them so they sound like you. The key is sincere appreciation. No sliding an ask into the last line. Let your message be a gift without a bow.
Names and details matter
A person’s name is the sweetest sound in any language. Use it. Remember what they told you last time. I keep a simple note on my phone titled People I want to champion. Inside are names, interests, and tiny details. Favorite topics. Current project. City. When I reply, I can meet them where they are.
A gentle practice
After a conversation or a meaningful comment exchange, write one sentence. Name plus note. Hayley builds community led brands. Loves long bike rides on the weekend. The next time I see Hayley, I can ask: “How was the Saturday ride.” That tiny touch is not a trick. It is care with a memory.
If you want a shortcut, use this
Copy this and paste it into your notes app. Call it Genuine Interest Prompts.
Open it when you have five minutes and choose one.
I noticed
I appreciate
I tried your idea and here is what happened
I saved this because
I shared this with
I have a question about
If you were starting today what would you change
What part of this made the biggest difference for you
What would you add to help a beginner
This little list keeps your attention on the person in front of you. That is where the magic is.