"It is not what you know, but who you know."
- Common business saying
A buddy of mine asked me about MEETING strangers the other day and what the best strategy was. First, CONGRATULATIONS for being willing to go meet new people... You are ahead of the game already!
In an age of technology and "invisible networks", meeting new people SHOULD be easy. Yet, our social filters and general skepticism towards people keeps us from making POSITIVE connections more often than not.
"They must WANT something", we think. "I don't know this guy. Who is he to call me randomly", we note pompously (as if we were a King or Queen). "It is probably a waste of time", we contemplate as we spend an hour on FaceBook learning about a friend that bought their dog a sweater.
DAMNIT PEOPLE… go meet someone NEW! (this especially goes for me).
2 DEGREE SUCCESS STEP:
How MANY people did you know when you were born? How did you meet your BEST friend? How did you find your JOB, your BEST client even your SPOUSE?
I would contend to say that MOSTLY it was by meeting someone NEW. Connections are critical to interpersonal success as well as business. Look at SUCCESSFUL people and you will find they have a MULTITUDE of quality connections (other than their 4 friends from high school).
These people work DILIGENTLY to make new acquaintances. They attend meetings, support philanthropic causes, they volunteer. Sure, they get a lot of people that WANT SOMETHING from them, but BUCK UP… you are an adult. You CAN say no to a salesperson if what they offer is not a good fit.
Take a RISK. Meet someone NEW. The next person that asks to meet – AGREE. Tell them you will let them take you to coffee (or a brew). See what happens… it may even be FUN!
Cheers,
Zach
*To enjoy past editions of the Morning Motivator go to – http://grow-learn-lead.blogspot.com
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