^The pandemic has compelled us to go online in recent years. We could only conduct business online since physical meetings were not permitted. Some of us found it unbearable, while others benefited, making most of whatever was available in the form of a company.

We are progressively being asked to leave the safety of our virtual world and speak with actual words rather than emojis and GIFs now that things are more-or-less under control once again. So we can understand how some people would find that adjustment challenging.

Walking up to strangers can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. But with some practice and a few tips, you could meet new friends at every turn.‍

Learn the Three W's (Why, Where, and When) of talking.

The Three W's of Talking to Strangers—why, where, and when—help set the stage before delving into the specifics of how to approach someone you don't know.

• Why? Find out why you want to talk to people you don't know.
• Where? Go where people are to talk to them.
• When? Use a stranger's body language to know when to talk to them.

Instead of thinking you need to connect with dozens of people or businesses, focus on connecting with just one. Once you've reached that goal, you might feel more confident to go on and talk to someone else. If you have a list of people who will be there, you can be even more specific about your goal.‍

Gain Connection Early

If you're shy or quiet, the best time to show up at an event is at the start. Fewer people are in the room during the pre-event period, so you can speak without being interrupted. Also, as the room fills up, everyone is looking for someone to talk to. 

When you make one great connection early on in the night, you'll gain confidence and meet more new people as the night progresses.‍

Icebreakers! Pick Yours

Having a few icebreaker questions or topics ready can help you feel more comfortable when talking to someone for the first time. 

Among these topics are how they heard about the event, how long they've been with the organization, what they enjoy doing around town with their family, or what's exciting for them in the future. 

Try to engage in a natural conversation with your conversation partner instead of focusing solely on their work. Doing so leaves a lasting impression, learns what makes the person tick, and gets to know them better.

Here are a few examples of icebreakers:

1. How many countries have you visited?

2. What would be your dream place to live if you had the choice?

3. Do you have a favorite TV show?

Make A List

Make a list of questions you can always ask to get you through the first few minutes of the meeting. No one in the world doesn't like talking about themselves. 

Find out what brand they work on, and tell them what you know about their company. Then, tell them why you like their product if you use it. This gives people a chance to tell stories, which is a great way to find things they have in common.

Keep It Going

The best way to build a long-lasting relationship is to become a mentor or mentee. The benefits of mentoring in business are many, including avoiding too much formality in the relationship. In addition, you can be honest with the other people involved by revealing your flaws and goals.

The fear of not knowing what to expect makes some people afraid to seek advice or assistance from others. Mentoring also helps you to understand the next generation better. The importance of building strong relationships below you is just as great as it is for those above you. In your role as a mentee, you will benefit from the advice and objective viewpoint of someone you trust and respect.‍

Closing Thoughts

There's no doubt that a strong network can help your business, and it works both ways. So, if you're stuck, look for ways you can help your peers. With that simple action, you're already social networking in the best way possible.

Do you feel better prepared to network now that you have the tips? What is one tip you can easily implement from this article? Let us know in the comments below.

^India, with its vibrant mix of tradition and modernity, has been a silent observer of global health trends. In bustling cities from Mumbai to Bengaluru, where skyscrapers touch the heavens and streets buzz with life, a wellness revolution is unfolding. At its heart? The time-honored goal of 10,000 steps. But as the corporate world evolves, it's time we pause, reassess, and ask: Is this step count really the answer for employee health?

You see, every organization, from startups in Hyderabad to tech giants in Pune, wants a workforce that's not just present, but thriving. The '10,000 steps a day' mantra, for years, has been the go-to solution. On paper, it's straightforward. In practice? Maybe not so much. Especially when you consider the hustle of Indian urban life, where juggling work, family, and self-care can be a daily tightrope walk.

Unpacking the 10,000-Step Enigma

We've all heard it. The clarion call to march towards the 10,000-step milestone. But where did this number even come from? Not a medical lab or a wellness guru, but a 1964 marketing strategy in Japan. As the Olympics fever soared, a company marketed a pedometer, weaving the 10,000-step narrative. Fast forward, and this number has cemented itself in the global wellness lexicon.

But here's the rub. For the average Indian employee, swamped with tasks and battling city traffic, this target often feels like scaling Mount Everest daily. If you're strolling at a leisurely 100 steps a minute, this goal translates to nearly 12 hours of walking every week. It's not just daunting—it can feel downright unattainable, especially for those tucked away in office cubicles or stationed at shopfronts.

The Science Speaks

Here's where things get interesting. Global studies, with sample sizes in the hundreds of thousands, are flipping the script. Turns out, it's not about hitting a lofty target, but consistent, meaningful activity. An increase of just 500 steps daily (that's a mere five-minute jaunt) can slash cardiovascular risks by 7%. Ramp it up to 1,000 steps, and the overall mortality risk dips by 15%. The real sweet spot? A more doable 4,000 steps.

This isn't just about numbers. It's about understanding the diverse fabric of the Indian workforce. The young techie in Gurgaon might be game for a 10k challenge. But the seasoned executive in Chennai? Perhaps not. And that's okay. The focus should be holistic wellness, not a one-size-fits-all metric.

Wellness in the Tech Era

India's tech prowess is no secret. From mobile apps to digital platforms, technology is reshaping how we approach wellness. The old-school pedometer has made way for sleek apps that don't just count steps but offer a holistic view of health. The Indian employee today has a suite of digital tools at their fingertips, tracking everything from sleep patterns to nutrition.

Companies too are catching on. Innovative platforms are offering rewards for wellness milestones, bridging physical health with tangible incentives. It's a win-win, ensuring employees are engaged, motivated, and on a path to holistic health. After all, in today's dynamic corporate landscape, employee well-being is not just a perk—it's a priority.

Redefining Workplace Wellness Goals

The 10,000-step goal, while inspirational for some, might need a rethink. As India strides into a new era of corporate wellness, the emphasis should shift from lofty targets to sustainable, meaningful wellness practices. Whether it's flexible work hours to accommodate physical activity, office spaces designed for movement or digital tools to track and reward wellness, it's clear: the future of employee health is holistic, inclusive, and personalized.

In essence, while the 10,000 steps might still find enthusiasts, the broader goal is clear: crafting a wellness narrative that's rooted in scientific insights, practicality, and the diverse needs of the Indian workforce. After all, in the intricate dance of well-being, it's not just about the steps, but the journey itself.