How to Make 2023 Your Year of Relationship

Do you often feel you’re existing somewhere alone out in left field? Since the outbreak of the pandemic in 2020, perhaps?

Have your relationships dwindled, and you don’t know what’s going on in your friends’ lives, or the lives of your business connections?

I’ve heard the above is quite common today. But 2023 could be your most gratifying year yet if you set “improved relationships” as a goal. You can’t just wish for it. Here’s what you do:

• Determine your optimal socialization amount.?How many people would you like to feel a deeper connection with? This applies to introverts as well as extroverts. We all crave connection, it’s just a matter of how much feels right.

• Determine the methods and the timeframe to nurture your relationships.?For me, I set a goal of making ten quick connections per week just to let others know I am thinking of them and that I’m open to more communication.

I’ve also set a goal for a deeper, more personal connection, either in person or on a video call, with a minimum of two people per week. (Yes, I write this down on paper and cross it off once I’ve accomplished it.) Do you know what this is called in business? Networking.

As a business owner, it’s important to remember that networking is?NOT?selling. Networking is about getting to know other people and what they do - to know them, hopefully like them and be able to recommend them to your network. That’s it!

If you join online networking groups thinking that you’re going to push your agenda, you’re doing it all wrong. No one wants to be sold to when they’re simply there to say hello and learn a bit about your experiences.

Try just getting to know people by really listening. Put down that smartphone. Look them in the eye. Listen intently and interject your thoughts from time to time. Do you walk around with earbuds in your ears nearly 24/7? Remove them when in face-to-face conversation. It truly shows you’re interested in what the other person has to say.

Here’s to more fulfilling, gratifying relationships in 2023!

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Vickie Harding-Wakeen is a virtual assistant and founder of MyVirtualGal?.?She works exclusively with small professional service companies and creative solopreneurs.?Get her free Guide to Virtual Assistance for Small Businesses, here.