A few years ago, I attended a conference where the facilitator gave us an interesting assignment: reach out to someone who knows you well and ask them to describe you in one word. I texted my cousin (who’s like a sister to me) and quickly received a response, “curious.”
That word has stuck with me. Curiosity isn’t just about asking questions; it’s about genuinely wanting to understand the people around us. It’s about showing up authentically, being present in conversations, and never assuming we’ve learned all there is to know.
Grab the Bull by the Horns
As a city girl embracing country, I have a whole new understanding of what it means to “grab the bull by the horns.” And recently, our Chamber team had the memorable experience of meeting “Brutus,” a 1,800-pound Brahman bull! Truthfully, I didn’t actually grab Brutus by the horns; he’s a very gentle animal. However, standing alongside this massive, peaceful giant was a reminder that sometimes you just have to step up and embrace experiences that push you out of your comfort zone.
Try new things. Talk to someone you’ve never met. Ask questions that go beyond surface-level small talk. What drives them? What challenges are they facing? What are they passionate about?
I’ve found that when I’m genuinely curious, I never run out of things to say. Real connections are established. We learn from perspectives different from our own. And often, there’s a discovery of opportunities we never knew existed.
What Do You Want to Learn in 2026?
As we begin planning for a new year, we want to know: What do you want to learn in 2026? What skills do you want to develop? What connections do you want to make? What conversations have you been putting off?
We have a member survey out right now, and I encourage you to take it and share your ideas. Your feedback helps us create the programs, events, and opportunities that matter most to you. This is your voice what 2026 looks like for our Chamber community.
The Waconia Chamber is here to provide you with opportunities to grow, connect, and have those meaningful conversations with new people. The perfect moment doesn’t exist; grab the bull by the horns (literally and figuratively!) and get started.
Join Us This Month
We have fantastic opportunities coming up where you can practice showing up authentically and connecting with others. Start the month at Coffee Connection for casual networking over your morning brew (SIU workout optional). At Women’s Connect, Sara Hood will lead an important conversation about navigating the challenges of supporting aging loved ones while managing your professional life. At our Chamber Luncheon, KARE11 Meteorologist John Zeigler will share insights from his career about the power of authenticity, engagement, and showing up as your genuine self—whether you’re forecasting the weather or building your business. And don’t miss our Holiday Social at Schram Winery in early December to celebrate the season with your fellow Chamber members. These are the kinds of meaningful conversations and connections that make all the difference.
My Challenge to You
This month, I challenge you to strike up a conversation with someone new at one of our events. Ask them what they’re working on, what they’re excited about, what they want to learn in 2026. Be curious. Be genuine. Show up authentically.
You never know where the conversation might lead.
– Christine