094: The Power of Human Connection: Lessons Learned on a Mission to Meet 10,000 New Friends With Rob Lawless

Impact Makers

Today, we have a truly fascinating guest: Rob Lawless. Rob is on a mission to meet 10,000 people and he's spending one hour with each one of them. You heard it right! The tales from his journey are truly inspiring and filled with insights that you don't want to miss.

Rob has managed to catch the attention of big names like The Kelly Clarkson Show and has even delivered speeches across the globe. Through this mission, he has underlined the remarkable power of human connection. As we dive deeper into his journey, we discuss how the dynamics of social media have transformed since he began his quest.

From the moment he received a pivotal rejection email to when he signed a contract to speak in Bangalore, India, Rob's story is a testament to resilience and perseverance. More than just meeting people, he's been constructing a unique FRIEND Framework that includes family, relationships, industry, entertainment, needs, and dreams. Every interaction he has is an experience, an opportunity to make a connection more meaningful.

Rob's project goes beyond just meeting people, though. He sheds light on crucial aspects of life like grief awareness and talks about how his mission has helped him achieve his life goals.

So sit back, relax and let's journey together into a world of authentic human connections and amplified influence!

Show Highlights:

• Rob's unique idea in 2015 to spend one hour one-on-one with 10,000 different people and how it started as a project and turned into a career.
• Why Rob doesn't call meetings with new friends "interviews", and what his goal is for each conversation.
• How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Rob's ‘Meet 10,000 New Friends’ project, and how those changes opened up the opportunity to meet more new people.
• How a suggestion from one of Rob's new friends regarding public speaking has turned into a profitable revenue stream, and also a future book.
• Rob’s FRIEND framework that he teaches to help people engage in meaningful conversations, and unpack other people's stories.
• What the project has taught Rob about gratitude and the value of human connection.
• Who is the ideal person that Rob would like to meet, and will they be number 10k?
• How long will it take for Rob to complete his mission of making 10,000 new friends?

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People & Resources Mentioned In This episode:

Rob Lawless - LinkedIn, Instagram, Rob’s 10k Friends website, Rob Lawless speaking website

Jennifer / Rob 10k Friends Conversation Recap on Instagram

Thom Monahan

Michelle Poler - Keynote Speaker

Humans of New York

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.