Project Exponential

Category: Connection

  • 7 ways to up your game by meeting people

    1. Connect with other industries.

    Spending time with professionals who excel in industries other than your own can help you discover new approaches in your own line of work. Step outside of your immediate field, identify transferrable skills, and work together on complementary initiatives.

    2. Discuss things that aren’t familiar.

    Learn new terms and expand your horizons by venturing from typical conversation starters. A learned tidbit may assist you in building rapport with a future business partner.

    3. Ask questions.

    The right questions can turn a mundane introduction into a lasting impression, and most people are eager to talk about themselves to those willing to listen. Ask open ended questions about thoughtful topics to get the ball rolling.

    4. Spend time outside of the office.

    Shared experiences in unexpected environments can build relationships in unique ways. People often display varying characteristics depending on the situation; you may need to encounter an individual in many settings before identifying their true character.

    5. Get to know their priorities.

    An individual’s priorities can be a valuable window into their life. See if you can determine what contributes to their success and drives their work.

    6. Unite through humanity.

    Be forthright about your challenges. Moments of authenticity and vulnerability can be scary, but they connect us on a much deeper level than superficial pleasantries. Dare to be open; the response might surprise you.

    7. Brainstorm.

    Use networking opportunities as brainstorming sessions. Explore new ideas. Find news ways to look at old situations. Help each other. Innovate and create together. A stranger can offer a removed perspective to obstacles you regularly encounter.

  • Disappointing relationships? It could be you.

    I often hear the following:

    • My relationships aren’t fulfilling.
    • I’m not meeting the right people.
    • I’m not as connected as I’d like to be.
    • My employees don’t respect me.
    • My team isn’t as close as when we first began.
    • I’m not introduced in the way that I’d like.
    • I can’t find people who share my interests.

    It’s easy to place the blame on outside factors and fault something external, something beyond our control — a difficult situation, a partner’s deficit, the inability of a client to clearly communicate. The challenging route is an active one, requiring self-discipline and honest assessment. For example:

    • How do I represent myself across different areas of my life (to friends, acquaintances, strangers, colleagues, my family)?
    • Are the activities I participate in an accurate representation of my innermost dreams and ambitions?
    • Do I frequent similar kinds of situations expecting different results?
    • Am I investing time and intention to create meaningful relationships?
    • Do I carefully and thoughtfully communicate with others?

    Self-analysis can be trying, confusing, and difficult to navigate; however, it is an essential step in identifying the roles we create in our lives.

    How do you contribute to common perceptions of your character and personality? What behaviors do you repeat that fail to serve you in your most valued personal and professional relationships?

    Most often, the gate towards fulfilling, meaningful connection begins with you.