“The Conversation
That Changed Everything”
It started in line for coffee.
Not at a conference, not at a networking event — just the usual morning scramble at the corner café.
Mara, a junior designer still finding her voice in the firm, noticed the man ahead of her studying paint samples. “Those look suspiciously like Sherwin-Williams fan decks,” she joked. He smiled. “Caught me. I’m a facilities manager — we’re repainting two office towers downtown.”
Ten minutes later, their cappuccinos were getting cold as they swapped notes about color psychology, lighting, and how hard it is to find decent painters who clean up after themselves. A week later, she sent him a quick thank-you note — just friendly, no agenda.
Three months after that, his company hired her firm for a complete redesign of both lobbies.
That’s how small talk works when you stay open to possibility.
We tend to dismiss casual chatter as filler, the stuff between “real” conversations. But in truth, small talk is how trust begins. It’s the handshake before the contract, the smile before the meeting, the shared laugh that reminds people you’re human — not just another LinkedIn headshot.
The most lasting impressions rarely start with rehearsed elevator pitches. They start with simple moments of connection: commenting on someone’s book choice, complimenting their shoes, or asking how they like the conference coffee (hint: no one ever does).
Opportunity hides in the ordinary — in every hallway hello, elevator ride, or pre-meeting chat. You never know which one might become a turning point, a friendship, or a future collaboration.
So the next time you’re tempted to scroll instead of speak, remember: rapport starts small.
Because small talk isn’t small at all. It’s where big things begin
From Fearful to Fearless:
How to Answer “Tricky” Questions
When you stay calm, clarify with repetition, and bridge back to your core ideas, you guide the dialogue rather than chase it. The result? You come across as thoughtful, credible, and persuasive exactly the qualities clients and colleagues remember.
Purpose Driven
A purpose driven vision board- explore the possibilities.
A bit about Linda
Who am I?
As a businesswoman
I am an award-winning speaker, author, and business consultant/coach.
Grateful
A little bit of sleep goes a long way
Starting Again 2024
Happy New Year.
Question of the year 2024 – from 2023. What’s working for you?
I’m a list maker, so I’ll begin.
Working for me # 1 – Sleep Habit
I end every day writing a list, surprise, right? I write not just thinking about – it’s easy to go to bed and think oh, that went well or that was good. But writing it down and, in some cases, noting how that happened? When I write how I made that happen, I’m surprised to learn that I planted a seed a few days, weeks, or months ago, and the outcome started growing. The result is incredible, and I am grateful. The acknowledgment of that outcome is in my writing at night.
I write the three things I’m grateful for during the day. The results are fascinating.
1. Most importantly, I get a good night’s sleep. I haven’t stuffed my mind with useless trivia or negative thinking.
2. It helps me reflect on the things or circumstances I created to support that good part of the day and how I can repeat them.
Working for me #2 – Website Building
I am learning how to build my website again. Paul taught me in 2010 to develop my website from scratch. It served me well for many years. The new one is one in WordPress but with Elegant Themes and DIVI. I love it! I love working on it and figuring out the puzzle. Yes, it would be faster and easier if I hired someone to do that for me. But I’m not in a rush, and yet I am in a hurry. The joy of working on it outweighs the time it takes.
1. Learning Divi
2. Researching the best templates and methods of communication
Working for me #3 – Envisioning Possibilities
I have chosen a new set of words to define the purpose-driven vision workshop I’ve been doing for years. Although, many people find the terms interesting and exciting to follow, I was bored with the words.
I believe the concept is strong and still stands, but PDVB? Even the acronym looked stoggy.
Advanta Strategies is over 20 years old and it is my main business, this year I added a spark to it.
1. I purchased a new URL
2. Using Divi – created a website for people to sign up. www.envisioningpossibilities.com
Knives
Seems the culture for using a knife started atleast two and half million years ago and were made from a variety of metals i.e. copper, brass, iron, steel and ceramics. Their uses included hunting, carving and eating. Knives were a tool as much as a...
Napkin
Napkins Whose napkin is it anyway? Is my napkin on the right of the place setting or on the left? According to Emily Post ( http://emilypost.com/advice/informal-place-setting/), this is where the napkins can be found. "Napkin: The napkin is folded or put in a napkin...
This was so refreshing to read. Casual, authentic conversations can plant a seed for the future. I love it.
This was a great story and an important reminder how simple connection without an agenda can have big impact.