Sometimes a sports conversation can help pave the way to more enjoyable experience like the case of my recent trip to Jamaica. Who would have guessed that a local cab driver could be a fan of Boise State football? I had to know how it happened, and started asking questions. As a result the cab driver opened up and make a connection with us. The service that afternoon was definitely worth the trip into town.

We made it to the end of the week and another batch of Success Stories. Here’s a couple bound to get you fired up on how sports topics and sports conversations make a difference.

I’ve been pitching the concept now for about a year and there are several exciting opportunities in the works for Talk Sporty to Me. But nothing excites me more than hearing from real people who have used sports conversations and/or sports knowledge to create more opportunities for themselves. In my travels and work as a sports broadcaster, I see men do this naturally. Women, on the other hand, can be intimidated to throw in their two cents and get involved in the conversation. It’s for that reason that I pulled these comments off one of my facebook posts.

ut here’s where we sometimes miss the point: Each of us has the capability to be a leader. We often wait for our bosses, managers or supervisors to take that roll. Or at home we allow our spouse or partner to take the lead. But good communication skills benefit everyone. If you take the initiative to talk through a project at work, and everyone understands what’s expected the project will run much more smoothly. You will be more productive, your team will work more efficiently and the “leaders” higher up in the company will notice your good work.

Good communication involves talking and listening. It is very easy to talk too much. Don’t be that person. Take a lesson from this reality show contestant.