We all feel isolated and disconnected at times. It is up to us to make a change, and we can, by choosing to break out of our comfort zone ; Make a Connection How we live is our choice and we need to fight through all the noise of life and the voices telling us we can’t and realize…WE CAN!  IF WE CHOOSE We have to break out of our comfort zone and Take Action.

There are 5 simple ways to make a connection.

#1 – Start (move forward)

#2 – Focus (be intentional)

#3 – Be Real and Be Friendly (Add Value to Others)

#4 – Be Present (Ask Questions and Listen)

#5 – Be Consistent (and Repeat)

START

The number one challenge people have with connecting and networking… is they don’t start.  The first step is to get out of your Safe Place… your comfort zone… and Start.

We come up with great plans and then we have so many reasons not to start.  We have to adopt a Do It Now attitude and push ahead… even if we don’t feel prepared.

Life will always get in the way one way or the other, but as the old saying goes, we have time  for what we make time for!

FOCUS

You need to be laser focused on your connection objective, and be intentional in your approach to connecting. If you want to meet a certain group of people, find out where they hang out. What groups, associations, or clubs do they belong to… and then join! Get out of your office and go where the people are!  If you don’t know where to start, go to social media events and take a look!

Environment is everything in life, and when we put ourselves in the right environment to succeed, we will.

BE REAL AND BE FRIENDLY

You have to be yourself and get to know people. Don’t try to be someone you’re not, people know when you’re genuine and authentic! Look to Add Value to others and Be Uplifting!

A connection all starts with a simple greeting, authentic intent, and then takes consistent contact and intentional development of a personal relationship.  When you are truly connected and can call someone your friend, they will be motivated to be an advocate for you. After all… Friends help Friends!

People do life and business with people they Know, Like, and Trust!  Taking someone from that initial contact to connecting with them happens by giving them an opportunity to really know you… and then they have to Like you! Usually Likable people are Liked… and last is building their Trust!  Trustworthy people are Trusted.

BE PRESENT

Be in the moment, and listen to others.  Remember, everyone’s favorite subject is themselves.  Don’t monopolize the conversation. Ask questions and then listen!  As John Maxwell says… “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” When you show you care about them and what they say, they will want to hang around you more.

Most of us tend to get in a rush and hurry through life. Each moment is nonrefundable and precious. Intentionally focus on those around you, listening and learning!

BE CONSISTENT

One of the most important things in connection is to be Consistent!  Relationships are not a one and done. You have to connect on a regular and consistent basis to develop a relationship.  It takes time to get to really know someone. When you are Consistent, you allow time to form a true connection.

So many times we do too many things to stay consistent in one thing!. Multitasking is a great myth… as it distracts us in divides our attention!

Conclusion

Connection is really a Lifestyle. In order to go beyond just a contact it takes work and purpose. Remember to Start, Focus, Be Real and Be Friendly, Be Present, and Be Consistent.  Why do you want to connect… Why do you want to be their friend.  Ultimately, that is the test. If you can truly answer those questions with your actions, you can gain true connection and true friendship.  After all, friends are made with people that Know, Like, and Trust you!

Action

If you want to really connect with people, consider joining our Mastermind Group! A Mastermind is a small group of individuals who meet regularly with a moderator to provide structure, support, and accountability. Message me or email me at russ@russhedge.com for more information.