It's Friday. Time to get high with clients and prospects.

In late 2020 during the height of COVID lockdown, several of us at built the framework of a program we called "Walk it Out." The premise was simple - since we were all stuck indoors avoiding others due to COVID, so why not make appointments with clients and prospects outside, where it's "safer" (less contagious), while adding some much needed movement to our suddenly sedentary lives?

You know who embraced the program? Almost nobody.

We work at our desks. We sit in our office chairs. We meet at conference tables, or perhaps even kitchen tables. Our offices and computers are inside of buildings and our homes. Sitting still is most of how our business is done and, for most of us, how most of our lives are lived.

Those who we do business with, and would like to do business with, likely live the same way.

Yet we all know that we form stronger memories doing things that are different from our baseline day-to-day activities (sitting still). We also know that the feeling we get from moving, especially moving ourselves with a measurable level of effort, brings various feelings of euphoria, brought on by the release of the chemical?dopamine. In running, the feeling we get during and after runs is often called "runner's high." It's very real.

If you walk, run, lift weights or play sports, or ever have, you understand this. The release of dopamine plays a major role in?how we feel about ourselves and those we are with. Have you ever noticed how athletes bond so tightly, and how fans like to jump up and down supporting their teams? It feels good, and it creates meaningful connection with others.

Moving is Meaning

You should be moving more when meeting with your prospects and clients. They will build a stronger bond with you, and you with them.

There is a good chance some or all of the following will occur:

• You'll feel more connected
• More trust will be created
• You'll remember the conversation better, with deeper and more lasting memory formation
• You'll be remembered for being different, one of the biggest challenges in our "sea of sameness" lives

Finally, you'll be treating your mind and body better.

Get out there and Walk it Out with your clients. Invite your clients and prospects to go on a walk for your next in-person appointment. There is no downside, but instead, immeasurable upside.

Yes, we may have missed the benefits of Walk it Out during COVID. That doesn't matter. The chance to build stronger relationships and leave lasting memories through collective movement will remain forever.

ML