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
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
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
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
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