“Everyone communicates. But few connect. Those who do connect take their relationships, their work, and their lives to another level.”[note]Page xiii[/note]
Want an example?! I connected with Jim Keenan(@keenan) after I read his book letting him know my thoughts. I then started this blog because of the motivation he gave me; here’s his response. In the process of this happening, I connected with another kick ass motivator and sales trainer, Larry Levine (@Larry1Levine). He invited me to join a blab conversation, in which I did. I got connected with a handful of other people and even got to share my experience with the group. This all spawned because I connected with Keenan and Larry!
“I began blogging and using social media to expand my circle of connection with people even further. Now I can also add value to people who may never read one of my books.”[note]Page xiv[/note]
There’s that magical words that everybody keeps mentioning; VALUE! What value can you bring to people you connect with? Are you a problem solver? Storyteller? Knowledge bank? Teacher? The list goes on! Figure out the value you can bring to people and then ask them, “How can I help you?”
“I can tell you this: if you want to succeed, you must learn how to connect with others.”[note]Page 3[/note]
We live in the information age people. We are always connecting with people. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and the list goes on. When YOU choose to connect or follow someone, why do you do it?
“Connecting is the ability to identify with people and relate to them in a way that increases your influence with them.”[note]Page 3[/note]
Imagine if you weren’t connected with anyone. You’d have to go through life figuring out everything by yourself. Now image if you had 10 solid connections… You’d have 10 additional resources to help you go through life. As you grow together, you’re able to influence each other in different areas of expertise. The 5 new connections I’ve made with people in the past three weeks have changed my life! The VALUE they’ve brought to me has been incredible. We were able to relate to one another and give each other different types of value.
“Connecting is crucial whether you’re trying to lead a child or a nation”[note]Page 7[/note] – President Ford
It makes sense, right?! For people to connect with one another, you have to find something to relate on! Show people the value of connecting with you and you’ll move mountains. People want to feel engaged and related to.
“The ability to connect with others begins with understanding the value of people.”[note]Page 15[/note]
This goes for anybody! And for any organization. Greatness is built on the shoulders of men and women. There are no two people alike and someone is always going to be better at something than you. You’ll have your talents that trump theirs too! Connect with people, build a network full of value and continue to propel yourself forward. And don’t forget; They’re just as scared as you are. Make the introduction, connect, and provide value!
Yes – Maxwell is a firm Pisces Zodiac Sign believer
Get “Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” on Amazon.
There’s more to come from me about:
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect | John C. Maxwell
Major thankies for the forum. Great. Mccallum