New Year, New Connections - 7 Habits of Super Connected People

Table Topic #3: Gettin' connected.

Hey you,

Happy New Year! We made it! 2021 came and went and it got me thinking about how "networking" has changed since 2020. The big period that started in March a couple of years ago locked us inside and forced us to learn how to connect online. Like it or not, it unquestionably broke down some barriers to connecting with others that we maybe didn't know existed pre-pandemic.

Do you think about connection in today's society? How do we search for like-minded people and share our ideas, thoughts, feelings, and wishes with each other when we can't meet face to face? Connection through social media comes easily for some people and is much more difficult for others. It may seem like the easiest way to communicate in this day and age, but how many of us take advantage of it enough?

The connections we make online are ever-evolving; what defines a connection has changed over time. Connection no longer means "friends" or people who would be on your guest list if you held a party. Connection is just that - being connected with someone who shares your interest/passion/line of work, whatever it might be.

Connection means being able to reach out and share information, ask for advice or support and feel like you can be yourself without having to worry about what people think. Connection is trust; we trust the people we connect with on social media (and socially) and they trust us back. Connection helps make the world smaller and brings people together, whether across the globe or down the street from us.

When I started this newsletter, my goal was to discuss who we become as individuals within a networked society- how do we form our identities as an individual as well as a member of a larger group? How does that play into defining ourselves online/offline? Connection plays a huge part in this discussion because so much of who we are is defined by our connections (friends, family, social groups/personalities, etc.).

I put some thought into the habits that the best-connected people I know and made a list of the behaviors I've seen work really well for them. Instead of looking at it from an individualized perspective, my overall conclusion was that they each make connections meaningful in their networking activities, by engaging in ways that benefit the entire networks or communities they are part of. Check out the list below!

Live long, connect well ??,

Alex Abell

CEO/Founder & Lunch Break Enforcer @ Lunchpool

7 Habits of Super Connected People

1. Connect with people you know

A network is only as strong as its parts - you can't connect if there are no connections to begin with. It's hard to make meaningful connections when you're starting from scratch, so it makes more sense to strengthen the ties that already exist between you and your peers/friends/acquaintances first.

2. Don't be afraid to connect with people you don't know, but should

They might not be in your network…yet. But they might be soon. And when they are, you'll have made the introduction and set the foundation for a solid relationship with someone who is good news to know. It may seem daunting (looking at you, fellow introverts) but most people will welcome an earnest outreach, especially if there is no agenda other than you found them interesting.

3. Connect with people who share your interests

By networking with others around common passions, you can find people who will understand and appreciate what you do. They might be able to give you pointers or insights into your field that you never expected, and can definitely help with getting the word out about your latest project - both professional and personal.

4. Connect with people by offering something you can share

Making meaningful connections means making sacrifices sometimes, whether that's sharing your time and energy to help someone else achieve their goals or simply sending a link they might enjoy. The important thing is giving and sharing information and ideas and not expecting anything in return other than the knowledge that you've helped another.

5. Know that connection should be a two-way street

Reciprocity is a powerful thing. It can make us feel obligated to someone, resentful of them, or even guilty if we try and fail to return the favor. By recognizing that connection is a two-way street, you can look to the other side of reciprocity and accept that not everyone will respond in kind when you reach out and move on in a better/smarter way.

Connection is not a transaction. By making connections with people because it's the right thing to do, for no other reason than you saw something in them that makes you want to give back or share information, you can inspire those around you and help build a sense of community that benefits everyone.

6. Give back to the connections that give to you

Knowing that one of the best things you can give to a relationship is your time, it makes sense that when people have given so much to you, you should return the favor. Whether this means writing a recommendation letter or being there for someone who needs a listening ear or simply being supportive in their times of need, giving back will benefit everyone involved.

7. Connection requires trust

It's important for your connections to feel safe confiding in you, as well as knowing that they can trust the information you provide them with. This is why it's so important to establish bonds of transparency and accountability before requesting too much of someone else.

By making your intentions known to your peers, you can better communicate what they can expect from you and how you will be involved in their lives.

This helps to build both trust and respect within the community, as well as (probably) making you better friends with everyone. Connection breeds connection, but only if there is a mutual understanding of what it is to be connected in the first place.

What do you think? Do you have any other habits that super-connected people have in common? Sound off below, or shoot me a message!

Breakthrough tech that connects

• Crystal - Crystal helps you break the ice by guessing a person's personality based on their publicly available information. I'm pretty sure it's powered by magic. Running myself through it shows you that I'm more likely to use my gut than my head when making decisions.

Quote of the week

“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”

Rachel Naomi Remen

This has been Volume 1, Issue 3 of Your Weekly Break to Connect with Alex Abell. Don't forget to make some time to connect and network.