Seizing Opportunities: The Power of Face-to-Face in a Digital World

In our journey through life, it's not just the goals we set but the spontaneity with which we embrace opportunities that truly define us.

Imagine this: while on a break, a sudden spark of inspiration leads to a decision to travel (within 24hrs), not just for leisure but to connect with someone who shares your passion and drive. This isn't just about seizing the day; it's about recognizing those serendipitous moments that come dressed as ordinary days and turning them into extraordinary opportunities.

Today, I want to share a story..

While I was taking a break in Bali, I spontaneously decided to visit Singapore. Why? To meet Eric Sim, who, like me, is a big supporter of LinkedIn.

Eric and I first connected on Clubhouse in 2021 and bonded over our shared love for LinkedIn and its ability to make a difference for professionals everywhere. We connected on LinkedIn and have shared numerous digital engagements since.

Eric's book "Small Actions" has been really influential for me. I have read it many times, and so many examples from its 66 chapters have made me nod my head and reflect on my own journey and stories.

There is never a perfect time to grab great opportunities, and if we wait too long our chance may never return" Small Actions by Eric Sims Chapter 5

During our lunch meeting, which felt like it flew by in moments but actually stretched into a rich couple of hours, I found myself bringing up lines from his book. These shared nuggets of wisdom helped us connect on a deeper level. We talked about how important it is to let people know when they’ve made a mark on your life.

It's about having the courage to say, 'Your words mattered to me.'

If we don't seize those moments to share our impact, how will anyone ever know the ripples they've created?

This belief in the power of reaching out and acknowledging each other's influence really wove through our chat. It sparked stories from both of us, showing just how impactful a simple act of recognition can be.

That's the thing about meeting face-to-face; conversations just flow differently and go deeper somehow.

But that's not all I did in Singapore. I also took the opportunity to visit BNI Elevate. If you know me, you know how much I value BNI and its ability to connect like-minded business people. Being there, meeting other BNI members, and seeing a diverse group of business owners in action was really inspiring. It's in these face-to-face meetings where you find opportunities to work together that you might miss behind a screen.

Reflecting on this whirlwind trip, I'm reminded of how important it is to just go for it sometimes. Whether it's a spontaneous trip to meet someone who inspires you or dropping by a BNI chapter in another state or country, these are the moments that bring excitement and richness to our professional lives.

LinkedIn has been a game-changer for me, no question about it. But, when you blend those online connections with real-life meetups? Well, that's where the real magic starts to happen. It’s about bringing together the best of both worlds.

Here’s to diving into more face-to-face meetings and being ready to jump at new opportunities as they appear.

We all know how fast-paced our digital world is, but let’s not forget the irreplaceable joy of sitting down and having a chat, eye to eye. It’s something truly special.

So, my thought for the week: grab every chance you get to meet someone in person. There's something about the energy of being right there with someone that just can't be beaten.

But on reflection, we’re all moving at a hundred miles an hour, and sometimes those in-person catch-ups just can’t happen. When that's the case, a Zoom call is the next best thing. In our big, beautiful world, video calls have this incredible way of making distances feel a little shorter, keeping us connected even when we’re worlds apart.

So, whether it’s over a coffee or through a screen, don’t let the opportunity to say ‘hello’ pass you by. You never know, that simple greeting could lead to something amazing. Let’s keep building those bridges, any way we can.

Remember.. never discount a connection - you never know where it may lead.

So, I'm curious—what's been your most memorable connection made through LinkedIn or a surprise meet-up that turned into a valuable professional relationship? I’d love to hear about the unexpected paths and where they've led you!

As always, have a wonderful day.

Leanne :-)

#66smallactions 沈文才Eric Sim