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Project Connect
Project Connect

Connection By Design

Connection is too important to leave to chance. This blog is for people who want to build stronger relationships in their organizations, intentionally.


Most organizations leave connection to chance—and for many people, that means it never happens at all. Without intentional opportunities to connect, relationships stay surface-level, belonging never takes root, and the community that could exist never quite does.

This blog is a collection of small action steps—based on research—on what actually helps facilitate meaningful connection. Whether you're leading a team, running a program, or building a culture or connection, this blog gives you concrete strategies to apply.

Explore, experiment, and see what fits. I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

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118. Become a Connection Chemist
118. Become a Connection Chemist

You know that “chemistry” that happens when you click? It feels like magic. But as any chemist will tell you—it isn’t random. It’s a predictable reaction to mixing specific ingredients together. The same is true for connection. Learn how to create connection chemistry.

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conditions for connectionJessica GiffordApril 12, 2026Comment
117. Don’t confuse interaction with connection
117. Don’t confuse interaction with connection

People often *think* they’re building connection by bringing people together. But this creates interaction, not necessarily connection. In fact, some social activities make people feel lonelier. Learn how to create the conditions for connection.

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Jessica GiffordApril 4, 2026Comment
116. Tell people you like them ... it will make them like you more.
116. Tell people you like them ... it will make them like you more.

Most people want to be liked—and this need increases when we feel lonely or disconnected. In this post you’ll learn a research-backed strategy that makes people like you more.

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employee connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordFebruary 9, 2026Comment
115. Avoid these 3 conversation killers (and what to ask instead).
115. Avoid these 3 conversation killers (and what to ask instead).

Ever notice how some questions spark amazing conversations, while others fall flat? Today’s post shares 3 common questions that can kill conversation, and what to ask instead.

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communication, friendship, employee connectionJessica GiffordJanuary 1, 2026ask good questions, avoid conversation killers Comments
114. Scale-up connection: key takeaways from a case study
114. Scale-up connection: key takeaways from a case study

Want to learn how to connect hundreds—or even thousands—of people on your campus or in your workplace? Check out this case study of Kansas State University’s implementation of ProjectConnect.

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relationships, belonging, FacilitatorJessica GiffordDecember 31, 2025facilitator, case study, employeeconnectionComment
113. Choose your path to improving your friendships
113. Choose your path to improving your friendships

Most people believe that it’s important to have good friends. If you’re unsure HOW to improve your friendships check out these 4 paths to better social well-being.

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connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordDecember 30, 2025Comment
112. Set a Connection Goal for 2026
112. Set a Connection Goal for 2026

This New Year’s Goal will have more impact on your health than hitting the gym or starting a new diet … and it’s more fun. Yup, it’s prioritizing connection—and this post explains why we underestimate it’s power when setting our priorities.

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Jessica GiffordDecember 29, 2025Comment
111. Let Them. Or Don't Let Them.
111. Let Them. Or Don't Let Them.

The “Let Them Theory” is hot right now … but sometimes it’s better to take a “Don’t Let Them” approach. And sometimes you need to “Let Me.”

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Jessica GiffordMarch 31, 2025Comment
110. Put words to loneliness … share how it feels
110. Put words to loneliness … share how it feels

People rarely talk about loneliness because there’s a stigma. But putting words to the experience can help you—and others—feel less alone. This post describes how loneliness FEELS.

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mental health, loneliness, relationshipsJessica GiffordNovember 21, 2024loneliness Comments
109. Come together. 3 ideas for gathering with friends.
109. Come together. 3 ideas for gathering with friends.

Time spent with friends is plummeting. Here are 3 ideas for gathering together.

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connection, friendship, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordNovember 15, 2024ideas for gathering Comments
108. Connect during stress
108. Connect during stress

You’ve probably heard of the “fight/flight/freeze” (or FREAK OUT 😆) stress response, but there’s another, more connecting way we respond to stress.

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Jessica GiffordNovember 4, 2024Comment
107. Have deeper conversations
107. Have deeper conversations

If you’re bored by small talk and despise superficial chit-chat, you’ll love this free conversation buffet menu. Get ready to have better conversations.

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Jessica GiffordOctober 20, 2024Comment
106. Pay attention to your talking time
106. Pay attention to your talking time

If you want people to like you, should you talk more or listen more in conversation? The answer may surprise you!

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friendship, communication, connectionJessica GiffordSeptember 2, 2024talking time Comments
105. Will friendbots solve the loneliness crisis?
105. Will friendbots solve the loneliness crisis?

 AI companions are already here, but will they help relieve loneliness, or add fuel to the fire of disconnection?

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connection, friendship, relationshipsJessica GiffordJune 4, 2024A.I., chatbot friends Comments
104. Invest in your relationship with yourself
104. Invest in your relationship with yourself

This blog is all about building positive relationships with other people—but it’s equally important to have a good relationship with yourself. After all, you are who you spend the most time with!

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well-being, connection, mental healthJessica GiffordFebruary 13, 2024alone time Comments
103. Invest in friend-time
103. Invest in friend-time

Who you spend your time with matters to your happiness. Here’s who Americans spend time with and why to invent in more friend time.

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Jessica GiffordJanuary 25, 2024Comment
102. Establish a tradition
102. Establish a tradition

People think of traditions as something that’s inherited, but you can create your own tradition to help build connection and make memories.

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connection, belongingJessica GiffordDecember 14, 2023traditions, family rituals, family traditions, workplace traditionsComment
101. Be Intentional. The antidote to friendship dissatisfaction.
101. Be Intentional. The antidote to friendship dissatisfaction.

Most Americans are dissatisfied with the quality of their friendships. It's time to shift the idea that friendships happen spontaneously and get intentional.

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friendship, connection, relationshipsJessica GiffordAugust 7, 2023intentional friendship, planned friendship, arranged friendshipComment
100. Conduct a friendship audit
100. Conduct a friendship audit

The people we’re closest to have a powerful influence on how we feel, what we do, and who we become. Take a few minutes to reflect on your closest relationships using this friendship self-assessment.

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friendship, connection, relationshipsJessica GiffordJuly 31, 2023friendship assessment, friendship audit, friendship inventory Comment
99. Break up with a friend. Are you in a friendship that's harmful to your health?
99. Break up with a friend. Are you in a friendship that's harmful to your health?

Friendships have tons of benefits, but not all are good for you. Sometimes breaking up is the healthiest thing you can do.

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connection, friendship, communicationJessica GiffordJuly 24, 2023breakup, end relationship, friend breakups Comments
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We’ve helped over 100 colleges, businesses, and organizations build connection, including:


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