Connecting is Key!
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We’ve often heard who you know is important. I’ve realized over the years that who knows you and how they know you is more important. Meaning, if you are known as a positive resource concerned about helping others, you’re going to get referrals and attract more positive people willing to help you. However, if you are known as a self-centered person only interested in what people can do for you, you are going to be avoided like the plague and find you are surround by more self-centered negative people.
Today networking is often seen as a way to advertise or market you. Though that may be a byproduct of networking, it isn’t the goal. The goal is to build relationships to create connections. Connecting is key for you to connect with people and be the person you want to be known as.
But what is a connection? A connection is the ability to relate to someone, to really get to know them. In the recent movie Avatar, we learned the power of the phrase “I see you”. That is the ultimate connection. To be able to really see someone for whom they are. To really connect you must get to know a person. This cannot be done by “telling” them about you. It must be done by asking questions and being curious, inquisitive and genuinely interested in the other person. It’s not about you but growing you by connecting to others.
Over the past several months I’ve really worked on my connections. I first looked at the types of connections I had. Were they positive or negative connections in my life? If they were negative, I “disconnected them”. Then I decided what types of connections I wanted and needed. I want a deep connection with my team so that I can be a more effective leader. I need connections to people greater than myself so that I may learn and move to a higher level of personal greatness. What connections do you want and need?
So it has been my recent goal to be an active listener and really inquire about those I meet and more deeply learn about those already in my life. I’ve been more thoughtful, said thank you more, said I’m sorry more and checked in with those near me to see how a success or challenge has gone for them. I still have a long way to go but so far, the results have been amazing. I’ve noticed a deeper connection with my family, team and colleagues. The surprise has been the connections I have attracted. Some are reconnections to my past. I just reconnected with a very good high school friend. She found me on Facebook. Then just last week we connected with very close family friends I had not seen since I was 6 years old.
Other connections are new team members and colleagues that have found me online and via referral. They have proven to be great new friends and really enriched my life. The most unexpected connections are the opportunities that have come my way. Amazing opportunities I never dreamed possible for me.
When I started this journey, I saw a tweet from John Maxwell about a new book, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect.” He was asking for fans to preview chapters and comment. I jumped at the chance. The chapters were just what I needed to get me going on my journey of connection.
I forgot about that very cool start until today. I just found out that my picture made the cover of John Maxwell’s latest book “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”. ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!?? I connected to the great John Maxwell, and look what happened. I haven’t read the book yet. In fact, I plan to rush out and buy it just as soon as I finish typing this post! But I’ve been writing this post off and on about connections and leave it to the great John Maxwell, the very inspiration to start connecting, to help me finish my thoughts for you here.
Life happens for a reason and with a purpose if you allow it. So do yourself a favor and connect. Need help? Get John Maxwell’s new book, “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect”. He taught me and is still teaching me. So happy learning and happy connecting! May you enjoy the richer fuller life your connections bring you!! I’m thankful to be connected to you through this blog! Hugs & High Fives!
