When was the last time you met face-to-face with someone you haven’t connected with in a LONG time?
I realize this might be the wrong time to be mentioning face-to-face interactions so let’s change this question to: When was the last time you connected with someone, in any way, that you haven’t in a LONG time?
I recently sat down in my hometown with my college roommate who I hadn’t seen or chatted with since 2011! That same week, I connected with a previous client that I hadn’t touched base with in over two years! Both of these interactions, one by phone and the other in person, went swimmingly. In fact, immediately after each conversation I was asking myself: “Why? Why did it take me so long to connect? What held me back from continuing to cultivate these relationships that were positive aspects of my life?”
In these free-flowing chats there were no expectations other than catching up and getting life updates. I was continually reminded of how good it was to share stories, successes, and even failures. It was easy to fall into the flow of the conversations and see how far both individuals had come since the last time we spoke. We picked right back up and continued as though very little has changed, yet so much HAS changed!! All the more reasons to cultivate!
In business, and in life, there are times when our relationships fall by the wayside. If you find yourself reconnecting and regretting letting this happen, then make it a point to avoid it going forward. Sure, it might take a little effort to find the time or to travel to meet in person, but consider this a luxury, not a chore. Doesn’t it feel good to reconnect? It’s like heading into the FAMILIAR UNKNOWN, exciting doesn’t do it justice.
To add to this, relationships with motives are shallow and are probably not worth cultivating. Relationships where you truly enjoy the other person’s company are the most fruitful. When you’re genuinely interested in and supportive of what someone else is doing, you’re cultivating. This is true in a working relationship and in a social relationship. These are the connections to grow and continue. These are the relationships to keep close.
Cultivate-Reconnect-Grow-(Re)-Discover
Written by: Rob Scherer, Vice President at Hunter Crown, LLC
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