Need better hooks? Do different things!

Okay, you've started to follow some of my profile-building advice. You're laying down some hooks for future conversation... but no one's biting.

You tried switching lures... and it's still not working.

Maybe it's time to find new lures.

So how do you find them?

Do something different. Over time, you need to rely less and less upon the television, movies, video games, and the internet for entertainment. They have their place - you don't want to look like a social misfit - but talking about these things will rarely help you stand out from the crowd.

Pick up the entertainment section of your newspaper. Or your city's weekly entertainment guide. Start searching the internet for interesting, and different things to do offline.

Are there any interests that you've always wanted to pick up? If so, why are you waiting?

Heck, are there some interests that seem totally out of your personality... but intrigue you nonetheless? Go out there, and try it anyway!

It's like yesterday's column... what's the worst that can happen? At worst, you fall on your ass a few times. But you'll still have great stories to tell. Failures make great stories too.

It's really that simple. There are no good shortcuts. And an interesting, varied life is a reward unto itself.