We’re not all cut from the same cloth. For some of us, making a connection with another human comes naturally. For others, not so much. Although we might be presented with natural opportunities along the way such as childhood friends, school, sports or work, life changes and people move on. We’re then forced to make new ones connections.
Connections are important. Here are a few reasons why.
Family — that’s where your first bonds start. It’s the foundation for your beliefs and values, and where you got your quirky characteristics and your freckles! Your family is your support system and will always be there for you. You’ll never find a better friend to lean on for support or advice than in your family.
When you stop to think about it, there’s a cornucopia of connections that can make any business run smoothly. Think about it. There are employees, suppliers, customers, financial advisors like accountants and bookkeepers, and even consultants guiding you along the way.
When you’re running your own business, it’s important to find ways to not only connect, but to also leave a positive experience. You can broaden your network by joining professional organizations or networking meetings to gain and share knowledge. These are also great ways to acquire referrals and new customers!
Within your team, showing appreciation and recognizing the contributions of employees can help you build strong connections that lead to continued loyalty. In turn, more referrals and business generating ideas.
In business, every relationship is a connection. To build a strong business, you need strong business connections.
Think about your social connections. Connection through communication and social activity are important for our mental health and happiness. As life changes and people move in and out of your life, it gets harder to find these new connections.
Here’s a couple ideas:
Get out of the house! Join a club or social group, where you’ll have a chance to meet new people and start a conversation. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and find that common ground. If being active is your thing, join a sports team. There are groups for people of all ages.
Volunteer. When you volunteer, you are automatically joining a group of people who already share a common interest with you. Not only will you make new friends, you’ll also make a positive impact on your community.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to connections that have gone cold. Chances are you’ll be able to fire up an old friendship. Make the first move and call, text or email!
Whether you’re spending time with family, building a business, or broadening your experiences, you’re connecting and that’s a good thing. Now go out and connect!
Writing for you. 