Vitamin G Blog

This Surprised Me! Before They Got on The Bus, They Gave Me This Boost

How a bus stop gave me a boost of connection - Ginger Johnson

Picture this: I’m out for a stroll in a city I’m not too familiar with. It’s a cool, overcast morning—a perfect day for a leisurely walk. As I meander down the sidewalk, taking in the sights and sounds, I approach a bus stop where a few people are waiting.

Now, I have this thing about noticing details when I walk—the doors, the alleys, the people, the dogs, the posters, the windows—everything. As I reach the bus stop, I make eye contact with one of the waiting passengers and say, “Good morning.”

To my delight, they respond enthusiastically, “It’s a beautiful morning!”

Their enthusiasm surprised and delighted me. It was such a great boost. It immediately gave my day a huge infusion of humanity.

I replied, “It sure is! Make it a great day!”

You make it a great day!” They cheered back.

I kept walking, big smile on my face. And that person kept waiting for the bus.

That brief exchange was more than just a polite greeting—it was a genuine connection.

It reminded me of how very simple and easy it is to connect—and the power we hold to acknowledge and appreciate each other’s presence, even in passing moments.

In this case, somebody was robustly inviting me to connect, even though I was the first one to say hello. Hey, it’s not a contest! It’s simply being human.

I see you.

I value you.

I hear you.

That person gave me that in spades. It was so much fun, and it was a big boost for me.

This encounter got me thinking…how often do we pass by others without a second glance or a simple hello? Connecting with someone, even briefly, can have a ripple effect of positivity.

Here’s my challenge to you:

Take a walk with intention.

Choose a public spot—a bus stop, a park bench—and make eye contact with someone.

Greet them sincerely, be it “Good morning,” “Bonjour,” or “Buenos días.”

See what happens.

Even if they don’t respond in the way you hope, you’ve given them a moment of recognition. You’ve shown that you value their presence.

And here’s the beauty of it—by extending this simple act of connection, you’re not only enriching someone else’s day but also fostering a sense of community.

The boost of Vitamin G in this is, when we show the respect and the integrity of human to human connection, then we get it back, too.

When we treat each other with appreciation and kindness, we open the door to more meaningful interactions and stronger communities.

So go and meet somebody. Say hello to somebody! Because it’s a beautiful day and connecting builds community.

‘Til next time, keep connecting!

How Would You Complete This Sentence:

How would you complete this sentence:“I speak _______ people.” If you’re focused on serving and connecting, the right words are ‘for’ or ‘with’ – NEVER ‘to’ or ‘at.’ ‘To’ is directive – it’s a lecture to speak TO or AT people. The delivery = monologue. To connect is to interact. The Connector’s Mindset in speaking … Read more

Want to Connect? Host a Dinner Party

Today I’ll invite several people to a dinner party at my home this coming Friday. Why? Because me and My Fine Husband love the meaningful and very fun connections that are created and fostered at them. They’re very simple – really. Hosting a dinner party isn’t about being fancy or making sure every nook and … Read more

Seen, Valued, Heard

How do we actually see other people? How do we hold or assign a value to others? And when do we decide to listen? Robert taught me to really put my actions where my mouth is. The story of Robert is one I often share with audiences because it specifically illustrates how we’re all hungry … Read more

Connecting With Your Audience

Professional membership forums are terrific places to learn, listen, contribute and participate. A member of one association I’m a happy member of posed a recent question, which can be used for many types of audiences: “I’m working on an upcoming article on how to engage with attendees after your tradeshow or conference. Would love to … Read more

Value, Not Volume

photo courtesy of David Knapp

Quality v Quantity Depth v Numbers Connecting v Networking When we present options, often in the form of couplets like the 3 above, we make our choices easier. Is it this one or that one? When we have many options, we’re more likely to get balled up in making decisions to make decisions. When you’re … Read more

Walk + Talk = Connecting

Share The Road - Walk & Talk

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

Effective Virtual Connecting Tactics

laminated flashcards are great props

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

Gingerhere

Ginger, here.

Even thoughisn't the word they always use, it's what my clients mean when they say:

Even thoughisn't the word they always use, it's what my clients mean when they say:

  • "We want our team to come together, yet we don't know how to make that happen."
  • “We want our employees to create exceptional customer experiences.”
  • “We want a culture where people openly share ideas and participate in growth.”
  • “We want our people to love their work.”
squiggle 2

Connect with Ginger

Curious about what a client partnership could look like? I want to learn more about you! It starts with a phone call: