POWER OF CONNECTIONS

Many of you reading this article have received my monthly Linda’s Connection Corner e-communique that links onto my blog of the month. For three years beginning in August 2013 my focus was on the Power of Connections. There was a specific power for every month, and then I repeated the same powers each year, with a new twist.

I brought to an end my power blogs at the end of this third year, taking a hiatus for two months to plan my next adventure. Upon the suggestion of several people, I’ll share some pearls of wisdom from those blogs.

August 2013 – 2015: Power of Social Media
(2014 blog) I started my social media quest one year ago because I knew it was where the world was headed. I continue to be fascinated and confounded by its sheer force. Anonymity no longer exists. We are out there for the world to see. Pretty scary, isn’t it? Social media play a major role in us, being so accessible and exposed. We are often judged based on what people read about us online, so best to be cautious and discreet when sharing on social media.

September 2013 – 2015: Power of Relationships
(2013 blog) So, how do you broaden your bank of relationships?

First and foremost, “Be interested, not interesting!”
Ask questions – learn about people!

Get involved – find a cause you are passionate about.
Allow people to see that caring, softer side of you.

Find ways to help others by offering your support and encouragement.

Have a selfless rather than a selfish attitude.
The right kind of attitude will always pay off in the end.

Good relationships are built on integrity. You must maintain trustworthiness and honesty in order to maintain respect from others.

October 2013 – 2015: Power of First Impressions
(2015 blog) The best advice I can offer is to be true to yourself. Don’t pretend to be someone you really aren’t, because your true identity will be discovered. Make that first impression you leave the real deal. In so doing, you will never have to make excuses or apologize. You are genuine. Remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Beauty is not just skin deep. It emanates from the core of your soul and defines the real you.

November 2013 – 2015: Power of Connecting vs. Networking
(2015 blog) He (Jeffery Gitomer) and I think the same when it comes to comparing networking to connecting. When you go to networking events, you must go with your objective being to meet the people you would like to meet. You want to make friends and help them get business. He calls it “netweaving,” which is basically finding business for others rather than trolling for leads for yourself. I like that!

December 2013 – 2015: Power of Giving
(2015 blog) “Kindness doesn’t cost you anything, but will bring you riches beyond your wildest dreams.” The power of giving comes from a selfless act – where you simply give from your heart. This act of giving is not tied to any special event, holiday or celebration. It is merely a time when you give from your heart because you want to share what you have, show your appreciation and sincerely care for the ones you are giving to. You should not give with the expectation of receiving something back in return. You should give because you want to.

January 2014 – 2016: Power of Goal Setting
(2015 blog) Interestingly, similar parameters are used for both your professional and personal goal setting. Every goal you set should be a S-M-A-R-T one:

Specific – You have clearly defined what you want to accomplish.

Measurable – You have identified targets and milestones to track your progress.

Attainable – Your goal is realistic and manageable.

Relevant – You have identified a goal that fits with your professional/personal model.

Time-Based – You have identified a specific period of time for the goal.

February 2014 – 2016: Power of Positioning
(2014 blog) Positioning yourself and your company – EXTREMELY important to your success! What sets you apart from your competitors? You may know who you are and what you do, but do your customers and clients? Are you communicating the right message about “YOU”?

March 2014 – 2016: Power of Integrity
(2016 blog) … I feel that there is no love of anything or anybody without having integrity. Integrity is the primary virtue that allows us to express ourselves sincerely and openly without a deceptive ulterior motive. It defines character!

April 2014 – 2016: Power of Attitude
(2015 blog) How often do we hear the words impossible, never, no way, unimaginable, can’t be done? I think it’s best to live by the adage, “If there’s a will, there’s a way.” Or another, “Consider your cup half full, not half empty.” It’s all about having a positive attitude. Believe me, it makes getting out of bed every morning so much easier.

May 2014 – 2016: Power of NO!
(2015 blog) Saying NO is one of the most important aspects of living a life filled with balance, integrity and authenticity. Being able to say NO with confidence and sincerity is one of the most important aspects of creating peace and power in our lives. By doing so, we create healthy boundaries while honoring ourselves and just being real.

June 2014 – 2016: Power of Listening
(2016 blog) Great leaders are great listeners. They recognize knowledge and wisdom are not gained by talking, but rather by listening. ALL great leaders are adept at reading between the lines. They have the uncanny ability to understand what is not said, witnessed or heard.

July 2014 – 2016: Power of Follow-Up
(2016 blog) The manner in which you follow up, both personally and in business, will ultimately be the strongest determining factor for how others judge you. Oftentimes, you must walk a thin line to determine the best ways to follow up with others. You don’t want to be so aggressive that you are deemed a pest, nor do you want to be lackadaisical, giving the impression you are not really interested.

Go to www.elliottconnection.com/blog for blogs, interviews and other relevant info.

BY LINDA ELLIOTT