It is intriguing when you meet a new person, hear their backstory and discover how they contribute. At the end of the day, business is people. Life is people.
We can get so wrapped up in our work and routines that we limit ourselves by not experiencing what is new. Your next opportunities, enjoyments and horizons can be greatly expanded if you incorporate intentionality and process for yourself. Here are a few tips as you think about your own routines:
- Put yourself out there first. Let the world know what you are about and what you are going after. Put that message out on your blog, LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Invite engagement.
- Approach people based on interest. Our families, hobbies and pursuits align us instantly with something in common. Start a conversation by social media, email or in-person. Find what is similar. Great game to play and discover. You will have something for every person you meet. With some people it is evident. With others, you may have to dig.
- Play. I like to play tennis, hike, run, snowboard and play basketball. I have done this with new friends and met new people along the way. So many new worlds have opened up because I invite people to play or hang out. If all you do is work, you miss out on the fun where people are enjoying life.
- Find a way to help. People are not static. Their lives have some kind of next need or next step. Usually it involves their money, their kids or their health. If you pay attention, you can introduce them to someone you know that can help or share some information. Or you can simply be with them emotionally through struggle. You have to choose to get involved. It’s wonderful if you can take time and be human by caring enough.
We are around people all the time. But we can miss opportunities to make something happen. It’s people that make things happen. And it is part of our work if we want to grow personally and in our businesses.
Have you met someone by simply being intentional?
