Yesterday I had a wonderful opportunity to meet up for an early breakfast with a friend of mine, Thom Singer.
Thom is a fellow speaker I first encountered a few years ago at the annual convention for the National Speakers Association. He’s a really nice guy, and I thoroughly enjoyed his down to earth nature, his humor, and his great insights on this adventure we like to call our job.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet many people along my journeys over the past decade or so, but I don’t always get to meet up with them again.
This is how Thom is different.
A few days ago, I happened to post a funny screen capture
from my iPhone on my facebook profile and joke about the weather in San Diego (I’ve been spending more time out here now since my fiancé relocated here for work last June). Thom saw the post and instantly sent me a message–he happened to be heading to San Diego to speak and facilitate at a major convention taking place downtown and he wondered if I’d like to meet for breakfast before his presentations.
I’m glad he asked.
We enjoyed a really nice visit, sharing stories from the past few months, as well as some recent successes and challenges our career has presented us.
Again, I really enjoyed the conversation, but it’s amazing how it almost never happened.
Why?
Because someone had to ask first & Thom is that guy. He’s really good about meeting up with people and continuing connections as he travels. It makes his time on the road that much more bearable. It make his life that much more rich.
Back in high school, I often complained that “nothing is happening” or “no one wants to do anything.” As an adult I see that really translates into “no one else has told me what is happening…” or “no one has asked me to do anything,” or (if I really want to be honest), “I haven’t taken the time to brainstorm an activity or invite anyone to do anything.”
We can complain about what “isn’t” there or we can take a moment to make things happen.
It took Thom less than 30 seconds to send me that facebook message, but the result was quite nice.
So in 2012, let’s begin with easiest part of all of our friendships and relationships–let’s initiate some interactions to connect. Send someone an email, text, facebook message or better yet give them a call or meet up with them in person and set up a time where you can meet up and connect.
Then enjoy the results : )
UPDATE: Just saw this great blog entry with some wonderful ideas for all my teacher friends on how to increase the frequency and depth of some connections with your colleagues.