If you’re going to focus on improving your connecting, focus on listening. For many months I’ve been focused on improving my listening. To that end, one option I give people for our connecting conversations is what I call a Walk & Talk. It’s exactly as it sounds: we walk while we talk, via phone with … Read more
If you’re wondering or struggling with effective presentations in a highly virtual world, here’s a list of professional recommendations a course organizer recently asked me for (after I audited a few of their classes). 1. Having the team take courses on how to effectively present, both in-person and virtually, would be wise. 2. The tempo … Read more
If you’re feeling out of alignment right now, wonky from the effects of the pandemic, it’s time to learn and activate POW in your life. Here’s what they are: Positive = the mindset we choose to adopt in order to live our best lives Objective = judgement suspended, curious and interested Willing = ready and … Read more
Camera On. What we’re missing is the real deal – to see a whole person, in-person. Emulate as much of that as possible starting with making sure others can see you. It’s about them as much as it’s about you. Quiet Space, Microphone On. Emulate in-person with the auditory AMAP. As Much As Possible. Check-in, … Read more
Too often we’re told to keep seeking More More More. To quantify our relationships, to focus on volume. Don’t even get me started on ‘funnels’…. I keep mine in my kitchen, thank you very much. Maybe you’ve heard the saying, “You already know all the people you need to know, to build the life and … Read more
Meals People Food and Beverage Gathering Hosting Dinner Parties Connecting All of these are related. They’re all tied to how we connect, human to human. I was writing this morning about human connection, specifically what it means to connect over dinner. Even more specifically, at a dinner party. The din of a dinner party has … Read more
You know that feeling when you’re considering buying something. You know what it’s like to be aware of the desire to get that Thing, whatever it is. Say it’s a very particular car, in a certain color, year model and style. All of a sudden, you start seeing that exact car. You start looking for … Read more
How many states have you lived in? My count so far is 8. Every time I moved to a new state and city, my Dad helped me find a bank. He didn’t actually go to the cities so how’d he do it? Well, he was an architect in his professional career and his specialty was … Read more
That was his first question. And it’s not the first time someone has inquired about my hair. In fact, the Mohawk style haircut for me has been an incredible connection point. People I’ve had the pleasure to encounter all over have been compelled to comment, share, inquire and compliment. One person in an airport even … Read more
Do’s: Make all your invites to connect personal. Using pre-formed phrases by platforms are easy to see through and if you are truly wanting to connect, each interaction is a unique one – hence, it requires individual effort. Choose who you want to learn about, thoughtfully. Being selective, like Priya Parker teaches in her brilliant … Read more