Some People Wait To Talk, The Rest of Us Ask Better Questions

business success stories entrepreneur interview food and beverage magazine hospitality industry leaders las vegas leadership podcast michael politz most people dont podcast pr$$f Aug 01, 2025
Michael Politz smiling and speaking, overlaid with the quote: “I used to walk into a room wondering who will like me. Now I walk in wondering who am I going to like.” Most People Don’t podcast episode promotion.

This week on the Most People Don’t… But YOU Do! podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Michael Politz.
He’s an entrepreneur, the founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the creator of the Bluetooth logo (yes, really!), and someone who was mentored by none other than Robin Leach.

Michael’s not just an idea guy.

He’s a learner.

As a kid, he sold greeting cards door-to-door, not for the joy of sales, but because he wanted the free prize at the end.

But then he realized something, he liked the challenge, he liked the thrill, he liked the fun.

He still likes the fun.

And he still says, “I haven’t worked a day in my life.”

He shares stories of how he was always drawn to certain environments. He loved floral shops—because they were filled with energy, excitement, and celebration.

Michael built his success by listening to people others overlooked.

When he was younger, one of his favorite things to do was go to the local deli and strike up conversations with grandfather-aged founders—men who built empires from scratch through hard work, grit, and determination.

He loved learning from people who built their success with zero handouts. And because his questions were sincere and his curiosity real, they opened up to him. They shared their tactics. Their mindset. Their story.

As Michael got older, his powers of observation sharpened. He’d see something and think: “I could do this better.” And he did.

He shared this gem with me:

“I used to walk into a room wondering who will like me. Now I walk in wondering who am I going to like.”

That’s not ego. That’s presence.

It reminded me of a moment that stuck with me…

I was at a sporting event recently. A relative’s friend joined us. Someone I didn’t know. I wanted him to feel welcome, so I did what I do:

I asked questions.

“When did you retire?”

“How do you like living in the mountains?”

“Have you been to this event before?”

Short answers.

No return questions.

No “how about you?”

Not even eye contact at times.

Eventually, I stopped asking.

I just waited.

…Nothing.

Maybe he didn’t mean to be rude.

Maybe he was uncomfortable.

Maybe he’s introverted.

But I couldn’t help but think:

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What if he had just said… “Tell me more”?

That simple phrase could’ve opened up a conversation, a connection, a moment.

"Tell me more."

It’s one of the most powerful tools we have.

It signals:

I’m paying attention

I care

I’m not just waiting for my turn to speak

Research confirms it.

Follow-up questions, especially simple prompts like “Tell me more” make us more likable, more trustworthy, and more emotionally intelligent.

My wife and I ask a lot of questions because we’re curious.

We want to understand people, their stories, their perspectives.

But when that curiosity isn’t returned?

Conversations can feel one-sided.

Even…lonely.

Engaging isn’t just about talking.

It’s about wondering.
It’s about listening.
It’s about giving someone the space to be heard.
That’s what made his story hit me hard.

Michael Politz didn’t just build a brand. He built a practice of curiosity.

That’s how he earned the trust of someone like Robin Leach.

That’s how he went from florist to founder.


Your challenge this week:

Next time you’re in a conversation…

Ask one more follow-up.

Pause a little longer.

Say the words: “Tell me more.”

Even if they don’t ask you anything back—keep going.

A few key things to "Do".

Be curious.
Listen
"Do" what most people don’t.

Because…

Most people don’t ask.

Even fewer say “Tell me more.”

But YOU do.

For More Inspiration

🎧 Listen to This Week’s Episode #194: Michael Politz, Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine

Meet Michael Politz—the creative force behind Food & Beverage Magazine, now reaching over 14 million monthly readers. Michael’s journey is packed with firsts: he’s built iconic nightlife brands, launched major casinos, designed the Bluetooth symbol, and advised Fortune 500 companies. Named one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40, Michael is known for his bold ideas, relentless energy, and his “Minister of Propaganda” status in the spirits industry.

This episode is a masterclass in innovation, branding, and the art of chasing greatness—straight from a bestselling author, dynamic entrepreneur, and industry-shaping creator.

Each week, I sit down with leaders who share unfiltered wisdom and actionable insights—so you can Be Better, Feel Better, Do Better, and Live with Greater Impact.

🔹 Catch every episode on Apple, Spotify, or at mostpeopledont.com.

Don’t miss your weekly dose of inspiration, tune in and take that next step!


Special thanks to our newest sponsor: Wishes, Inc.
Wishes, Inc. connects real people with real needs to brands, donors, and a community ready to do good. They help make dreams a reality—amplifying generosity, one wish at a time.

Learn more about Wishes, Inc.

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