bloglovinBloglovin iconCombined ShapeCreated with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. rssRSS iconsoundcloudSoundCloud iconFill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch. Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Tag: connection

In defense of certificates

Certificates, medals, awards, recognition dinners. Necessary? Perhaps not. Here in Nepal, I can get a certificate for donating blood, for giving money, for simply showing up at an event.

A piece of paper is not always meaningful. I could argue that the rate in which certificates are doled out lessens their value. But public appreciation makes everyone feel good. And when people feel good, they do their best.

No, gifts and tokens aren’t essential. But praise and acknowledgement of hard work and generosity of time are absolute necessities.

Top 5 posts (an anniversary special)

In March 2012, I began this blog as a way to encourage empathy, prompt curiosity of others, and push networking conversations into something more meaningful than the pass-out-business-cards-conferences and set up fifteen-minute-coffee-dates situations I kept finding myself in.

Since that time, my writings have brought many interesting people to me. I have been fortunate to share my thoughts and observations with many of you and host private networking dinners in New York. From communications to branding, entrepreneurial adventures and challenges, questions and musings, I am honored by the emails I receive in support of my work.

To celebrate this anniversary, I present my top 5 most popular posts:

5. No one has it figured out

4. What brings people together?

3. The path in front of you

2. 5 rules of hustling

1. 12 questions to turn small talk into real talk 

As always, thank you for reading and thank you for sharing.

Write a book in eighty minutes

That’s what this group did — A group of twenty young people, hand picked from many, many applications, were given the assignment to write an ebook together. Except they were only given one hour and twenty minutes to complete it and publish it online.

This wasn’t simply a writing exercise. This was a teaching moment, an experience in vulnerability, connection, community, and risk taking. A practice in connecting ideas and people in a meaningful way. These students learned to alternate between stepping back and seeing the whole picture, then leaning in and dissecting the work before stepping back and reviewing the vision all over again.

They learned that fear is a powerful roadblock, but one that can be picked up and moved. Anytime. Anywhere. They practiced listening. They saw first hand that when you ask the right questions and stop to listen, the world unfolds before you. And they learned to step into the unique role that only you can create for yourself.

You have far more control over your destiny than you could ever possibly imagine.

When you can’t make a decision

What if something better comes along? What if this is the wrong choice? What if I am not ready? Decision paralysis.
When you’re struggling to make a decision, imagine yourself choosing a definitive answer. Observe how you feel. Do your insides drop with dread, or does your heart skip with anticipation?
Often times we spend so much time analyzing and researching that we forget to consult the most important measure: Does it feel good? Will my decision bring me happiness? Does this choice feel exciting or laborious?
If you’re looking forward to whatever it is you might choose, you’re on the right track. If you’re not, say no.
Chase your excitement and choose happiness.

Let go

Let go of the plan that doesn’t work anymore. Just because things haven’t panned out quite as you expected them to doesn’t mean you’re not doing well. Or that you’ve fallen off track. Sometimes you need to release your grip and see what life brings.

You have an opportunity — today, tomorrow, a week from now — to let go of the habits that no longer serve you. To try a new approach, to practice a new behavior, to learn something different.

When you let go, you open up space in your life for new directions, new connections, new results, and unexpected surprises. Go. See where life takes you.

How to write email introductions

Few things are as ineffective and frustrating as poorly written emails. Little information, no apparent connections, and enthusiastic instructions to “meet for coffee” can quickly end up in the trash bin.
People are busy.
Of course it is not always possible to be in the same room at the same time, so being able to make email introductions is an essential and valuable business skill. Yes, it is possible to write in a way that introduces two strangers and adds value to everyone copied on the chain.
Tips to keep in mind:

  1. Ask for permission first. Before sending out any emails with contact information, check in with all parties to make sure you’re using preferred addresses and contact numbers. Give notification that you are planning to make an introduction and make sure this is a good time for both parties to form a new acquaintance. Timing is everything when starting new relationships.
  2. While composing your email, explicitly state the reason why you are making the introduction. Explain the value you see for both parties.
  3. Briefly describe how you became aware of each individual. You don’t need to write long origin stories, but there is a difference between having worked with a project manager over the course of her career and having just met someone while standing in line for a sandwich.
  4. Don’t make either reader search for information. Clearly state the name and association of each party. Add relevant links so that each person can do additional research if and when time allows.
  5. Suggest intersecting areas of interest so that the individuals can meet with common overlap in mind.
  6. Lead with giving. You’re making the connection out of generosity, not a place of want. Never make an introduction expecting anything in return.

Have other tips for email introductions? Tweet me @redheadlefthand.