Connections! It is a term used very commonly today for what we used to call "Networking." Whether you call it networking or connecting, have you actually done any lately? The opportunities are endless. They are everywhere you go, everywhere you find yourself, and at any time. I find them on the airplane, in airports, at restaurants, just anywhere you find yourself. You can find them at the traditional "networking groups" but more often than not, if that is the only place you are "looking", you are missing out on wonderful possibilities.
I was having a conversation with my hair stylist today, and we were talking about connecting. I relayed that an unspoken goal of mine every time i go someplace or find myself on an airplane or in an airport, or wherever, is to find someone i can really connect with. If you do that, the most interesting things will happen to you. She said, "What a wonderful idea! What a way to meet the most interesting people and find yourself in the most unbelievable situations." And i totally agree.
Connecting is more than just meeting someone new and possibly getting business from them or a new referral. Connecting is giving value to someone else. Connecting is opening you up to others, giving something meaning from you to others. It is not looking for something, but giving something.
When you do that. When you open yourself to give meaning and value to others, the payoff is huge. When you give, you receive. Maybe not from them. More than likely you will from them, but your receiving may come through someone you meet through them.
Connection is giving value, knowing that it will come back to you. I have met the most intriguing people, been placed in the most unbelievable opportunities, made myself available at the most inconvenient times, but I have never been disappointed in "connecting" with someone else. And it has been very beneficial to our business, even when I was not looking for it to be.
So, let me ask you a question. Have you made any connections lately? Have you done it to give value to someone else? Try it this week. You will not regret it at all.
By the way, let me know what happens. Post some comments here about your experiences.
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