The Power of Being Genuinely Curious

The best business connections often start with two simple words: ‘Tell me.'”

Campfire Conversations

My friend Vic and I met through our RV camping adventures. She’s more laid-back and, while friendly, often reserved in conversations. I’m the opposite—I need to know all the details. Where people come from, what they do, their families, their fun, and more.

Vic often turns to me with questions about new faces at the campground—who they are, their story, or just random facts. I always know the answers, and she laughs, saying, ‘Of course you do.’

For me, it’s about more than just curiosity. It’s about understanding where someone comes from.

My superpower is listening—really listening—and getting to know people on a deeper level. I know not everyone finds it easy to ask personal questions or dig beneath the surface, Vic included. But it’s not about prying; it’s about caring enough to ask the right questions.

I value personal connection in an era of online communication and faces buried in screens. Conversations. Stories. Good, bad, or indifferent—I won’t judge.

In business, as in life, this curiosity—the need to know the details and genuinely care—is my secret weapon. It builds trust, fuels connections, and drives growth.

The Hidden Cost of Surface-Level Marketing

We’ve all heard it before: pick a target person for your audience and speak to their needs.

That approach may have worked in the past, but with the rise of AI, template-based marketing, and growing competition, it’s no longer enough.

When you rely solely on surface-level strategies to build an audience, you miss the deeper connections that lead to long-term loyalty. You’re building a house on sand.

Today, everyone is trying to be everywhere, fighting to stand out above the noise. But here’s the truth: standing out isn’t about shouting louder but understanding more deeply. It’s not just about the problems your audience is facing but also what brought them to this point: their motivations, frustrations, and hopes.

When building my agency, I wasn’t just competing with a few others—I was up against thousands of WordPress developers. Listening—actively listening—helped me stand apart by digging deeper into the questions, pains, and frustrations along with the real “why,” I created conversations that set me apart from everyone else.

Curiosity as a Business Strategy

You’ve heard the saying, “Curiosity killed the cat,” but what if curiosity is the one thing keeping your business alive and thriving? In a world dominated by surface-level interactions — whether on social media or through AI-driven strategies — curiosity is the overlooked superpower that cuts through the noise.

Remember my friend Vic from earlier? She asked me questions about the people at the campground because she trusted I had a deeper understanding of who they were. The same principle applies to business. 

When you approach your audience with genuine curiosity—rather than just asking about their problems—you uncover insights that others miss.

Instead of focusing on surface-level issues, ask better questions. Not just, “What’s the challenge you’re facing?” but, “What assumptions are you making about that challenge?” Or even, “What else is happening in your life that might be affecting this?” These journal-like questions make the person behind the answer different in how they answer.

Remember to ask personal questions about their family life, routines, and how they spend their days. These details often reveal patterns, emotional triggers, or unmet needs you can’t uncover with typical business questions.

Just like I’ve always been able to piece together the stories of people at the campground, your curiosity can help you piece together the unspoken needs of your audience. That’s how you build not just a strategy but a relationship.

From Listening To Action

Listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about converting conversations into actions and opportunities for you and your audience.

Many business owners overlook a secret: listen to disillusioned customers who leave scathing reviews or quietly stop showing up. Their disappointment can be a goldmine of insight.

When I travel, I read reviews—from glowing five-star testimonials to harsh one-star rants. Sure, some complaints are unreasonable, but others reveal unmet expectations, unclear communication, or overlooked opportunities. These reviews aren’t just criticism—they’re a roadmap for improvement.

The same principle applies to your industry or offerings. Addressing all your customers’ needs, especially the disillusioned ones,, can turn them into your strongest advocates. When you actively listen to their frustrations and act on what’s missing, you value their voice. You transform their discontent into loyalty.

But let’s be clear: this isn’t about appeasing every lousy experience. It’s about using the feedback to refine your business and make it stronger for the future.

Conversations

Starting Your Curiosity Practice

Curiosity is a skill you can add today, whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert. Here’s how to start building your curiosity muscle, overcome resistance, and know you’re on the right track.

Practical Steps for Introverts and Extroverts

  • For Introverts: Lean into your strengths as a natural listener. To build confidence, start with low-pressure environments like one-on-one conversations or online forums.
  • For Extroverts: Use your natural energy to connect, but practice active listening. Pause to let people share more about themselves instead of jumping in with your own stories. 

Common Resistance Points and How to Overcome Them

  • “I don’t know what to ask!” Start with questions like, “What’s on your mind?” or “How have things been for you?” As you listen, follow up with specific questions to dig deeper.
  • “I don’t want to pry.” Remember, it’s not about being intrusive but showing you care. Frame your questions not as judgment.
  • “What if I don’t have time?” Make curiosity part of your routine. Dedicate a few minutes daily to reading reviews, engaging in conversations, or reflecting on feedback. 

Signs You’re on the Right Track

  • You notice deeper, more meaningful conversations.
  • Feedback starts to feel more actionable because you’re asking better questions.
  • Your audience trusts you more, sharing insights they wouldn’t usually reveal.
  • You start identifying patterns and making changes that resonate more deeply.

Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions—it’s about caring enough to act on your learning. You’ll see the trust, connection, and opportunities grow when you approach your audience with curiosity and commitment.