From blogger Liz Strauss came the call—to share 25 words, exactly, on connection. I didn’t see it in time to play, but I love what people contributed, and I wanted to share it with you.
Why? Because connecting and connection is life’s ultimate game. I can’t tell you how many people I would have sworn to you I’d have no connection with, but when put in a situation where connecting was a possibility, I stepped up and fabulous things came of it.
Bit O’Moxie: Connecting takes moxie. To open to another, to really put yourself out “there,” to be vulnerable and share yourself—whether in networking or during an interview/consultation is seriously brave! Each time you do, you risk that the other person won’t give back, might shut you down, or might get turned off by whatever you share, and, in fact, by who you are.
And, if that’s happened to you a time or five, it makes you far less willing to try again. But do. Because it’s generally good for you and will make you happier when you connect with the right people, but also because, on a professional level, great VAs are connectors. We need resources, and to make connections for ourselves and others. You’re not a Lone Ranger, and I’d go so far as to say that the ability to connect is one of the biggest tools of your trade.
So watch the slideshow, and think about how and when you connect. Then consider going out and connecting even MORE than you have to date.
Oh, and if it feels hard, know that the more you do it, the more you flex that connection “muscle,” and the easier it will get.
If you want to try it safely, try it with me. Reach out to me here via comment, via email to stacy at virtual moxie dot com, on Facebook, or Twitter. Then I’ll point you in the direction of some others you can try it with. Before you know it, you’ll be lovin’ it, rather than seeing it as a daunting task. And THEN… you can connect at deeper levels.
Man, it’s always something more with me, isn’t it? :)
Here’s the slideshow (oh, and beyond that—my own 25 Words.
My 25 Words that Connect Us:
First, a spark of recognition, a gentle pull toward. Then conversation, learning, resonance. The dance before knowing and being known--the ultimate intimacy in connection.
Stacy - Thank you for sharing that presentation. It was deeply moving and so profound. It's amazing what can happen when you step out of your comfort zone and become friends with others.
Posted by: Colleen Johnson, CMJ Office | October 21, 2008 at 03:48 PM