Welcome to Beyond the Small Talk

We explore what makes real connections work—going beyond conventional wisdom to examine the research, share honest stories, and uncover what actually matters in building authentic relationships.

Twice a month, we share perspectives that challenge assumptions about how meaningful connections form and grow.

What you'll find here:

• Stories that challenge traditional networking assumptions

• Research that illuminates the science of human connection

• Field notes from those who've learned to connect authentically

• A community that values depth over transaction

Join us as we explore the human side of work, challenge conventional networking wisdom, and discover how to create connections that are not just strategic, but deeply fulfilling.

Let's go beyond the small talk, together.

About the authors

Beyond the Small Talk is brought to you by the team at Plain Sight Ventures.

We bring diverse perspectives from marketing, design, and innovation. Together, we explore the nuances of professional relationship-building, drawing from research and personal experiences, as well as insights gained from our work with Quin, our digital relationship assistant.

While we're passionate about the science and strategy behind professional relationships, we're also real people navigating the same challenges as our readers. This newsletter is where we share our learnings, spark discussions, and hopefully, help you forge more meaningful connections in your own career journey.

Curious to learn more about our work beyond this newsletter? Visit us at heyquin.io.