My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Passion Project Connection Strategy
A relationship-building approach that focuses conversations on people's current passionate interests rather than their well-known achievements, creating deeper engagement and authentic connection.
How It Works
People are energized by discussing current passions because they're actively learning and emotionally invested. This creates genuine enthusiasm versus rehearsed responses about past achievements, leading to memorable interactions and stronger bonds.
Components
Research the person's current interests beyond their main work
Identify passion projects or side interests they're excited about
Ask specific questions about those interests early in conversation
Show genuine curiosity about why they're passionate about it
Connect their passion to your own experiences or network
Follow up with relevant resources or connections
When to Use
When meeting accomplished people who likely discuss their main achievements frequently. In networking situations where you want to stand out. When building long-term professional relationships. When the person has multiple interests beyond their main claim to fame.
When Not to Use
When someone's passion project is private or sensitive. When you lack genuine interest in their passion area. In very brief interactions where efficiency matters. When their main work is their genuine passion.
Anti-Patterns to Avoid
Example
“Instead of asking Airbnb founder Joe Gebbia about Airbnb scaling, Ben asked about his current fascination with microplastics research, leading Joe to light up and share his genuine learning journey rather than rehearsed company stories.”