by Janice Porter, guest contributor
NOTE FROM ELIZABETH: Curiosity may have killed the cat… but in business, it builds powerful connections. And Connection is what the Heartspoken Movement is all about.
In this piece, my guest Janice Porter explores why curiosity isn’t just a childhood trait or a nice-to-have — it’s a key to creating genuine relationships that matter. Whether you’re networking online or meeting someone for the first time, curiosity can open doors you didn’t even know were there.
Let’s take a closer look at “The Curiosity Factor” — and how you can use it to grow your business and deepen your connections.
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Have you ever noticed how curiosity can magically lead us to explore new things, learn something new, and—perhaps best of all—connect with others? It’s the spark that keeps us fascinated with the world and fuels our desire to truly understand those around us.
I’ve always been a curious person. I love asking questions and diving deeper to discover what makes people tick. In the world of relationship marketing, that very curiosity has become my superpower.
That’s what this article is about: how curiosity isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a relationship-building powerhouse.
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”
– Albert Einstein
According to the Oxford Dictionary, curiosity is “a strong desire to know or learn something.” It’s often associated with childhood wonder. Just the other day, my granddaughter was full of “why” and “how” questions—a perfect example of how curiosity starts early.
But it doesn’t end with childhood. Curiosity continues to shape how we experience the world and connect with others throughout our lives. Think back to a time when someone was genuinely interested in your thoughts or experiences. How did that make you feel? Seen, heard, valued? That’s the power of curiosity. It’s foundational to creating real relationships.
“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions.”
– Oliver Wendell Holmes
Relationships—whether personal or professional—thrive on open communication and genuine interest. Brian Grazer, award-winning Hollywood producer and author of A Curious Mind, puts it this way:
“Curiosity presumes that there might be something new out there. Curiosity presumes that there might be something outside our own experience out there. Curiosity allows the possibility that the way we’re doing it now isn’t the only way, or even the best way.”
Grazer, known for films like Splash, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and TV shows like 24 and Friday Night Lights, has built his career on the power of curiosity. I loved his book and related deeply to his belief that curiosity can change the trajectory of your life and business.
“We are living in the golden age of curiosity, because we have the freedom to ask almost any question, and more tools than ever to figure out the answers.”
(from the book cover of A Curious Mind)
When we ask thoughtful, open-ended questions, we do more than gather information. We show we care. We express a desire to understand others’ motivations and perspectives—and in doing so, we lay the groundwork for meaningful connection.
“Curiouser and curiouser!” cried Alice.
—Alice in Wonderland
Curiosity extends to the digital world, too. I live in the world of LinkedIn, helping professionals and entrepreneurs craft compelling profiles and build stronger connections. And believe it or not, curiosity plays a key role there as well.
How? By paying attention to the little things.
Your profile isn’t just a resume; it’s a conversation starter. Including details like your volunteer work, hobbies, or personal interests can spark genuine curiosity and create unexpected touchpoints. I even like to “hide” a few details in less obvious places to see who notices. You’d be surprised how often those little nuggets turn into real conversations.
So, when you’re prospecting or networking—online or off—flex those curiosity muscles. Look for the overlooked. Ask the unexpected question. People will notice.
“Children are remarkable for their intelligence and ardor, for their curiosity, their intolerance of shams, the clarity and ruthlessness of their vision.”
—Aldous Huxley
Is curiosity innate or learned? That question fascinates me.
On my podcast Relationships Rule, I often ask guests this very thing. Some say curiosity is in our DNA. Others believe it’s a learned skill, nurtured through encouragement and exposure. Most agree it’s a bit of both. Here are a few insights my guests have shared:
“…depends on whether you were rewarded or reprimanded for being curious when you were young.”
—Robbie S.
“Curiosity, the word itself, to me is exciting, because it means lifelong learner. When you stop being curious, you’re on autopilot.”
—Dan G.
“I would say it’s innate, and yet needs to be nurtured. Everybody has the ability to be curious… It’s something you can develop, especially with children and grandchildren.”
—Lisa S.
“I think curiosity is innate, but unfortunately, it gets shut down easily by society. As a coach, I bring a lot of curiosity. To learn, we need both curiosity and frustration. Without frustration, there’s no curiosity.”
—Machen M.
This topic continues to intrigue me, and here’s what I know for sure: curiosity is a powerful key to unlocking better relationships.
“You’re born curious, and no matter how much battering your curiosity has taken, it’s standing by, ready to be awakened.”
—Brian Grazer
Whether you believe curiosity is innate or learned doesn’t really matter. The beauty is that you can cultivate it at any time.
Just start asking questions.
You don’t have to interview people—just show a genuine interest. You’ll be amazed at how quickly people open up. Soon enough, they’ll be sharing stories they haven’t told in years—or maybe ever. And just like that, a connection is born.
So, as you venture forth, let your curiosity guide you. You never know what incredible connections are waiting around the next question.
Embrace it. Nurture it. And watch how curiosity transforms the way you build relationships that truly matter.
About Janice Porter
Janice Porter is a Relationship Marketing specialist, LinkedIn trainer, and podcast host whom I recently met through our shared dedication to the importance of building connections and genuine relationships…and writing letters and cards. I was honored to be a guest on her “Relationships Rule” podcast, and our lively conversation about Connection and Heartspoken notes will be aired very soon.
Janice is the author of The R.E.A.L. Connection System, “a simple, proven framework to refresh your LinkedIn presence, engage with purpose, appreciate meaningfully, and leverage relationships that lead to real business growth.” Download it for free from her website.
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