How to Identify Common Interests & Build Stronger Relationships

Networking isn't just about collecting business cards; it's about building genuine relationships. And the foundation of any strong relationship? Shared interests. This post will guide you through practical strategies to identify common interests and transform casual acquaintances into valuable connections. We'll delve into the art of active listening, the power of social media, and the importance of creating shared experiences. Whether you're looking to expand your professional network, deepen friendships, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this guide will provide you with actionable steps to identify common interests and build a thriving community. We'll also explore how tools like Popl can streamline your networking efforts and help you stay connected effortlessly.

Networking and building relationships are skills you need to develop early on to advance your career and business. They are core to growth and success in the current digital world

Network and surround yourself with a community of people you share common interests. Don’t limit yourself to work-only networks, you should strive to connect with people outside your circle to expand your reach.

Here are 9 proven tips on identifying common interests and using them to your advantage in business and personal life. 

1: Active Listening

Active listening entails paying close attention to what your friends, colleagues, business partners say. While at it, focus on identifying cues about what they love doing during their free time, goals, passion, and personal interests.

For example, if they say they enjoy playing board games, hiking, or listening to music, ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more about themselves.

Knowing more about a person's hobby will give you a glimpse into their personal life, values, and common interests. Use the information to determine whether they should be part of your network.

Key Takeaways

• Actively listen and engage: Pay attention during conversations and look for clues about others' interests. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share more, creating opportunities to discover common ground.
• Create shared experiences: Initiate activities related to those shared interests, whether it's attending a workshop, trying a new restaurant, or collaborating on a project. These experiences strengthen bonds and build lasting connections.
• Be genuine and adaptable: Authenticity fosters trust. Be yourself and show sincere interest in others. Remember that flexibility is essential. Be open to new experiences and respect individual preferences, even within shared interests.

2: Attend Networking Events

Remote working is the norm nowadays. Working from home can limit your networking opportunities. 

One sure way of jumping this hurdle is by searching for networking events like conferences relevant to your niche and adjusting your schedule to attend them during your free time.

These events are perfect for connecting with people who share the same hobbies and common interests as you. Once you identify a potential client or business associate, share your details using your digital business card.

Follow up with them offline and online by sending a follow-up message or calling. The beauty of using a digital business card for networking is that it allows you to share more stuff about yourself, like your academic achievements, past projects, work experience, services, and products you offer.

The point is that attending networking events is an excellent way of meeting new people and making friends who align with your goals, values, and principles.

3: Use Social Media

61.4% of the global population is active on one or more social media platforms. These platforms are part of our lives and enhance online marketing and networking.

Image source: Smart Insights

Joining social media platforms and populating your profile with personal and professional information will connect you with people with the same interests and hobbies.

People often share their hobbies, interests, and projects on these platforms. Search, follow, and add new friends to build a community of people who may be interested in what you do. Speak about what you do by posting more often and responding to comments to spur engagement.

For example, if you run a landscaping and gardening company, post videos and text-based posts about gardening to attract potential customers and business owners in that niche. Give them valuable tips on gardening and landscape to show your expertise.

Research Online Profiles (LinkedIn, etc.)

Before meeting a new colleague or connection, take a few minutes to review their LinkedIn profile or other online presence. It’s a simple way to learn about their background, interests, and career path, giving you valuable conversation starters. This helps build rapport and makes initial interactions more engaging. For example, seeing that someone volunteers at an animal shelter might spark a conversation about pet adoption or animal welfare—instantly creating a connection.

Looking at someone’s online content—posts, articles, shares—can also reveal their passions and professional goals. Understanding what motivates your connections helps foster stronger, more authentic relationships. For instance, if you discover a colleague is passionate about sustainable business practices, you could discuss relevant industry trends or initiatives. This shows genuine interest and creates opportunities for deeper conversations.

Social media can also expand your network. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and even niche forums are great places to connect with people who share your hobbies and professional interests. A complete profile with personal and professional information makes it easier for others with similar interests to find you. Actively engaging in relevant online communities, sharing your expertise, and connecting with others can lead to valuable relationships and opportunities. Think of your Popl digital profile as an extension of this, offering a dynamic way to share your key information and connect with others seamlessly.

4: Participate in Team Building Activities

Earlier, we mentioned the need to attend conferences to build a community of people interested in what you do and who have the same hobbies.

Go further and find team-building activities happening in your area over the weekend and attend. These activities are perfect for bringing together people with common hobbies.

If you enjoy playing board games like chess and scramble, search for local events online, especially on social media platforms, and commit to attending. 

Such fun activities are effective in not only forming cordial relationships but also improving personal well being and health.

Suggest and Participate in Diverse Activities

While finding common ground is great, don't shy away from suggesting and participating in activities outside your usual comfort zone. Branching out can introduce you to new interests and create unexpected connection opportunities. Think about it: even if you and a friend have different preferences in music, attending a concert together—experiencing the live atmosphere, the energy of the crowd—can still be a bonding experience.

This resonates with what many people are saying online. In a recent Reddit thread about shared hobbies, several commenters emphasized that simply spending time together, even while engaged in different activities, strengthens relationships. One commenter shared how she enjoys reading while her partner plays video games, and they still feel connected by being in the same space, proving the value of shared experiences.

This also applies to professional settings. A LinkedIn article on building workplace relationships suggests engaging in a range of activities to strengthen bonds with colleagues. This could be anything from grabbing lunch together to attending a workshop on a new skill. Even the Interest Matching Game, an activity designed to help students connect, highlights the power of exploring diverse interests to find common ground.

5: Have Casual Conversations

Don't be too rigid; be open-minded and social to create a friendly space for people to interact with you freely.

One sure way of becoming more friendly, especially when interacting with employees and new clients, is by having casual conversations.

These conversations are not strictly business-related. You can discuss your hobbies, interest in industries like finance, governance, music, family, local service providers, and fun activities you love doing for leisure and community.

Such engagements will help you discover shared interests, movies, and hobbies. Use them as a launching pad for deeper conversations about your industry, profession, and business without sounding too official.

Structured Conversation Starters

Having casual conversations is an excellent way to warm up to people and discover shared interests. But sometimes, you need a bit more structure, especially in professional settings. Here are a few conversation starters that can help you uncover common ground:

Past Hobbies and Interests

Talking about past hobbies is a great way to learn about someone's background and what shaped them. Ask questions like, "What did you enjoy doing growing up?" or "What were you passionate about in college?" These questions can spark interesting discussions and reveal hidden talents or unexpected connections. You might find you both played the same obscure musical instrument or shared a love for vintage comic books. Focusing on past hobbies can create a sense of nostalgia and shared experience, making the conversation more engaging. For example, reminiscing about childhood hobbies can create a bond with a new colleague.

Current Preferences

Once you've explored the past, shift the conversation to current preferences. Ask about current hobbies, favorite books, movies, or podcasts. This can give you valuable insights into someone's current values and priorities. Understanding someone's hobbies offers a glimpse into their personal life and can help you determine if they'd be a valuable addition to your network. For example, if you discover a shared interest in sustainable living, it could open doors to collaborations or partnerships. Sharing your digital business card can facilitate these connections.

Dream Activities

Take the conversation a step further by discussing dream activities. Ask, "If time and money were no object, what would you love to learn or do?" This can reveal aspirations and passions that might not be evident in everyday conversation. Maybe you both dream of learning to fly a plane or writing a novel. Sharing these aspirations can create a sense of connection and open up possibilities for future shared experiences. Even seemingly simple shared interests can be the foundation for a strong bond. This can also be a great way to identify potential business opportunities.

Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Once you've made a connection and identified common interests, the next step is to nurture that relationship. Following up after a conversation shows genuine interest and helps solidify the connection. A simple thank-you note or a friendly message referencing something you discussed can go a long way. Following up demonstrates professionalism and helps keep you top of mind. Remember, building strong relationships takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Popl makes following up seamless, allowing you to share your digital business card and stay connected with ease. You can also use Popl's CRM integrations to manage your new connections efficiently.

6: Be Genuine and Authentic

When discussing common interests like food, life, sports, or anything, being genuine and authentic is super important. Everyone appreciates sincerity, it helps build trust, confidence, and rapport.

Using the same example of gardening, your answers to sensitive questions like the impact of a certain gardening technique on the environment and the responsibility of brands to protect the environment should be genuine.

You can also support your answers with videos and statistics to prove your point. In addition, when networking online with people from other countries or continents, use a language they understand. 

The answers and ideas you present should be well-thought and structured to serve the purpose. Focus on showing you are knowledgeable and interested in creating a cordial working relationship with them.

7: Create Shared Experiences

Organize events or activities that align with the identified common hobbies and interests. For example, if you realize that the new clients love sports like golf, you can organize a gift outing to deepen your relationship with them.

Use online platforms like Facebook to encourage others in your community to attend the event. As you play, speak about topics that matter to them and use friendly and professional language to encourage them to speak freely.

Spice up the conversations with a sense of honor, but your words should not be too off. Guide the interaction in the right direction and maintain professionalism.

Try New Things Together

Stepping outside your comfort zone can be incredibly rewarding, especially when building relationships. Think about suggesting a new restaurant (check out some award winners), attending a local workshop, or exploring a new park together. These shared experiences create lasting memories and offer opportunities to learn more about each other. You might even discover a hidden talent or passion! The goal is to connect on a deeper level, and new experiences can be the perfect catalyst.

Involve Others in Your Hobbies

While shared hobbies are great, maintaining individual interests is also important. It’s healthy to have separate passions and pursuits. Having your own hobbies gives you fresh experiences and perspectives to bring back to your relationships. It keeps things interesting! Consider inviting a colleague to a pottery class or a client for a round of golf. Sharing your individual passions can strengthen connections and create a more well-rounded relationship.

Value Shared Time and Support

Whether it's cheering someone on at their tennis match or spending quality time discussing a shared interest, supporting each other's passions is key. This shared time strengthens your bond and builds camaraderie. It shows you value the other person and their interests, which is essential for any strong relationship, professional or personal. Even something as simple as grabbing coffee and chatting about a favorite book can make a big difference.

Examples of Shared Interests and Activities

Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to get you started, ranging from creative pursuits to outdoor adventures. Remember, the best shared activities are the ones you both genuinely enjoy.

Creative Pursuits (Cooking, Crafting, etc.)

Activities like cooking, baking, painting, or learning an instrument together can be fun and rewarding. These creative pursuits offer a chance to collaborate, learn new skills, and appreciate each other's talents. Imagine creating a delicious meal together or gifting a handmade item. These shared creative experiences can be incredibly fulfilling.

Outdoor Activities (Hiking, Gardening, etc.)

Enjoying the outdoors together can be a fantastic way to de-stress and connect with nature while strengthening your bond. Hiking, gardening, kayaking, or simply taking a walk in the park provides a change of scenery and fresh air. These activities can be great conversation starters and a way to appreciate simpler things.

Entertainment (Movies, TV, Games, etc.)

Sometimes, the best way to connect is to relax and enjoy some entertainment together. Watching movies, binge-watching a TV series, playing board games, or attending concerts can be a fun, low-key way to unwind and share some laughs. These shared experiences create a sense of shared history and provide plenty to talk about.

Intellectual Pursuits (Reading, Learning, etc.)

Engaging in intellectual pursuits together can stimulate meaningful conversations and broaden your horizons. Joining a book club, attending lectures, taking an online course, or discussing current events can be a stimulating way to connect on a deeper level. These shared intellectual experiences can enrich your relationship and broaden your perspectives.

Respecting Separate Interests and "Parallel Play"

It's important to remember that not every interest needs to be shared. It’s perfectly healthy to have your own hobbies and passions. Sometimes, simply being in the same space while pursuing individual activities ("parallel play") can be a form of connection. Think of it as comfortable companionship. You're together, but you're also respecting each other's need for individual time. This balance is crucial for a healthy relationship.

Adapting to Different Preferences

Even with shared interests, differences in preferences are bound to arise. The key is to be flexible. For example, if one person loves spicy food and the other prefers milder flavors, explore restaurants with both options, or try cooking together, experimenting with different spice levels. The same principle applies to any shared activity. The goal is to find a happy medium that allows you both to enjoy the experience, even with differing preferences. This willingness to adapt strengthens your bond and shows mutual respect.

8: Utilize Common Ground in Negotiations

Knowing a potential client or business associate's common interests and hobbies will be beneficial during product or service pricing negotiations. 

Use the information to create a conducive environment for negotiating and discussing the terms and conditions. Use your business acumen to make the process fun and all-inclusive.

9: Collaborate on Projects

Pursue and work on strengthening the new relationships by collaborating on projects with their team. While at it, share knowledge and answer questions genuinely to encourage them to share their expertise with your team.

Final Thoughts

Applying the above tips will enhance your business networking efforts and position your brand for success. 

Remember, the goal of business networking is not just to identify common interests and hobbies but also to leverage them to build stronger, more meaningful relationships. Contact the new clients regularly to know how they're doing and keep them interested in what you do.

Create a digital business card today to seamlessly share your contact details and business information. The card's sleek design and QR code scanning process will pique their interest and encourage them to reach out. 

Trust me, you will also be more memorable than people who use paper business cards. Contact us today for more details.

The Role of Shared Interests in Different Relationships

Discovering shared interests is like finding hidden treasure—it can unlock deeper connections and strengthen bonds in various aspects of our lives. Whether it's the spark in a romantic relationship or the camaraderie among colleagues, common ground creates a foundation for understanding, trust, and mutual respect. Let's explore how shared interests play a vital role in both personal and professional relationships.

Building Personal Connections

In personal relationships, shared interests are the glue that holds people together. Think about it: discovering a shared love for hiking, trying new recipes together, or even cheering for the same sports team can create a sense of togetherness and strengthen the bond between partners. As Focus on the Family points out, developing common interests can decrease conflict in marriage and foster a sense of teamwork. It's not just about the activity itself, but the shared experience that creates lasting memories and strengthens the feeling of being a team. Even simple things like spending time together, reading in the same room, or working on separate projects in a shared space—what some call "parallel play"—can contribute to relationship satisfaction.

Sharing hobbies creates opportunities for quality time and strengthens the emotional connection between partners. When you engage in activities you both enjoy, you're not just spending time together, you're building a shared history and creating positive associations with each other. This shared joy and excitement become a cornerstone of the relationship, making it more resilient and fulfilling. And let's be honest, having someone to share your passions with makes life a lot more fun!

Strengthening Workplace Bonds

In the professional world, shared interests can be equally powerful. They can transform a group of colleagues into a cohesive team. Finding common ground with coworkers can create a more positive and collaborative work environment. LinkedIn suggests several ways to identify and use common interests with colleagues to build rapport, trust, and collaboration. Asking open-ended questions about hobbies, goals, and interests can reveal shared passions and create a sense of connection beyond work tasks. Participating in team-building activities or simply chatting about shared interests during breaks can foster a sense of camaraderie and make work more enjoyable. This is where tools like Popl's team solutions can be incredibly helpful for facilitating these connections and making networking within a company seamless.

When you discover shared interests with colleagues, it opens doors for deeper conversations and strengthens professional relationships. This can lead to increased collaboration, improved communication, and a more supportive work environment. Sharing a laugh over a common interest can break down barriers and create a sense of belonging, which is essential for a thriving workplace. And, who knows, a shared interest discovered at the office could even blossom into a lasting friendship outside of work! Using a platform like Popl can help you quickly exchange contact information and keep track of these connections, making it easier to nurture those relationships.

Related Articles

• Why You Need a Business Network | The Value of Networking
• Online Networking: The Dos and Don’ts
• Small Business Networking: 10 Tips to Grow Your Business
• Building Strong Business Relationships: Networking Beyond Handshakes
• How to Network | An Introduction to Networking

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify shared interests with someone I've just met?

Start by actively listening during conversations. Ask open-ended questions about their hobbies, passions, and what they do in their free time. Check out their online profiles on platforms like LinkedIn for clues about their background and interests. Attending networking events or joining online communities related to your industry can also help you connect with people who share your professional interests. Don't be afraid to initiate casual conversations – you never know what you might have in common!

I'm introverted. How can I comfortably network and find common ground with others?

Networking doesn't have to be daunting, even for introverts. Focus on smaller gatherings or online communities where you can engage in more focused conversations. Prepare a few conversation starters related to your interests or industry beforehand. Remember, active listening is key. By showing genuine interest in what others have to say, you can build connections naturally without feeling pressured to be overly extroverted. Sharing your digital business card can also make networking less intimidating, as it provides a quick and easy way to exchange information.

How can I use shared interests to strengthen existing relationships, both personal and professional?

Suggest activities related to your shared interests, like attending a concert, trying a new restaurant, or taking a class together. In a professional setting, collaborating on a project or simply chatting about shared interests during breaks can foster camaraderie. Supporting each other's passions, even if they aren't shared, is also important. This could involve attending a colleague's art exhibition or cheering on a friend at their marathon.

What if I don't have many hobbies or interests?

It's okay if you don't have a long list of hobbies. Be open to trying new things! Suggesting a new activity to a friend or colleague can be a great way to discover shared interests. Focus on engaging with others and learning about their passions. You might find something new that sparks your interest, and even if you don't, showing genuine curiosity about others' interests is a valuable way to connect.

How can I leverage shared interests in a business setting without seeming insincere?

Authenticity is crucial. Don't force connections or pretend to be interested in something you're not. Instead, focus on building genuine relationships. When you discover a shared interest with a client or colleague, use it as a starting point for deeper conversations. This can create a more relaxed and trusting atmosphere, making business interactions more enjoyable and productive. Sharing your digital business card and following up with personalized messages referencing your shared interests can also help solidify connections.