#Ihatepeople

I’m a people person, a networker of all sorts.

I can meet people at a conference or in a coffee shop line, it’s all the same to me. It’s all about making a connection, a real one; I truly have an interest in knowing people's stories, and not in a nosy way. I want to understand what makes people tick, or why they’re passionate about what they do.

I have no problem striking up a conversation. Nobody is ever surprised when I leave for five minutes, and I come back with a new friend and a story to tell.?

I’m also a connector; I’ve never had that issue of introducing people to?other?people.?

Come to think of it, I’ve never understood people who say “I don’t mix friendships and business.” I respect them, but isn't it kind of hypocritical to trust you with my friendship and not with my business??

It’s like those people who don’t mix business with pleasure either, shouldn’t you enjoy your business??

For me, I can do business together with a friend and totally separate the relationships — and actually enjoy it!?

This is your life, and what’s better than helping and getting helped by someone you respect and trust, nonetheless?like? It’s where the connection lies.?

I want people to connect, I get great joy out of this.?

Can you keep a secret? I’m not a jealous friend. I want to connect people with others that I like and respect, and hope they succeed in whatever relationship they are supposed to have. And if it doesn’t work out, too bad. Bummer! Wasn’t meant to be. We are all adults here and I hope I won’t get blamed if it doesn’t work out, but I also know I won’t get the credit even if it does ;)??

We’ve established I’m a people person, but over the years when I created my business, I also realized I could become a boss or a leader. Guess what I’ve chosen?

You are right. I took everything I’ve learned from my leaders and my bosses and I “designed” a work culture. Yes, you have read correctly, you have to?design?the culture you want in your company, the same as a brand; it’s not something that happens overnight or happens on its own automatically, it actually requires a lot of work.?

You work every day at it and every person you choose for the team is an essential part of the work culture.?

But in truth, I LOVE my team, I would be lost without them and I consider each one of them part of my family. I hope they know that (If they didn’t know they do now). We have been a growing family during the past two years, and we had to adapt, which wasn’t all that easy and I’m so proud of them for being so resilient.?

However, there is an ugly side to this reality, to find the right fit. Have you ever tried shoes to find the one that fits just right? Then you know what I mean…

That’s what brings us back to the namesake of this newsletter, #Ihatepeople, which became SO me that my team gave me a mug (the ones that reveal a message when you heat them up) that said #IHATEPEOPLE.

However, since it was custom-made, they made a mistake. It was supposed to have the word “Darling” in the front and “#IHATEPEOPLE” in the back, for my eyes only. They made it the other way around and I didn’t notice! So I was in every conference call, proudly showing my #IHATEPEOPLE mug! Oops, did I do it again?

So, the struggle is real, people!

See ya,

Lara