Creating Connections

In our first installment of this series, we made the bold claim that communication is the key to success. This principle rings true in a number of situations and settings. Good communication means the possibility for healthy and vibrant friendships, open family relationships, and effective mentorships. Good communication is really the ultimate superpower. 

And still, it goes undervalued. 

But besides these applications to personal relationships, communication has the ability to completely transform your view of what can be achieved. 

This is because communication enables you to reach out beyond yourself. By communicating effectively, you can exert an influence in the world beyond the limits of your own mind. 

Intentional Connection-Making 

The kind of communication that we are talking about in this series is not manipulation. Countless articles and books have been written that explore the many ways that language can be used to manipulate and coerce people for your own selfish agendas. This is not a responsible or fulfilling use of communication skills. 

However, communication can and should be used in powerful ways without resorting to manipulative practices. And it can be used in a way that is both effective and fulfilling, leading to new learning opportunities, fruitful partnerships, and even lifelong friendships. 

And this is where intentional connection-making comes into play. 

I once heard someone remark that reaching out to people with expertise in a particular field is an underutilized strategy. Many people with experience and wisdom would be more than happy to help others in whatever ways they can. But they remain unasked. 

This resource is untapped and freely available. But to benefit from such connections requires stepping outside of your comfort zone. 

To begin is simple. Find those people who you would like to talk to and glean wisdom from—and just reach out. Send a letter or an email and try to secure a meeting, either in-person or over the phone. It can be nerve-racking, especially if you are contacting a complete stranger. But by remembering your goal, you can push through the awkwardness. In the worst-case scenario, you simply won’t receive a return message. This is a small price to pay for the opportunity to make a connection that might pay dividends later. 

When reaching out and making connections this way, the cliché turns out to be good advice: be yourself. Offer some of your own background and interests and ask the questions that matter most to you. If it is clear to the other person that you are curious and teachable, they will be more likely to take the time to help you in whatever ways they can. 

Sometimes, these connections last only for the duration of a phone call. But other times, what began with an email to a stranger can grow into something long-lasting and fruitful. Reaching out to people with intentionality and humility can be a powerful way to invest in your future, both personally and professionally.