Six degrees?

I recently attended an NPGA event in Washington, D.C. where I saw friends from the Propane Gas industry. We discuss our common issues and address an agenda with legislators on Capitol hill. I enjoy pitching our issues, seeing old friends and meeting new friends too.

A friend introducing me to a new member of his team paid me a great compliment. If you have heard the phrase “six degrees of separation”- that we are connected to everyone by only six degrees. He said “there are only two degrees of separation to Joe Calhoun, in the propane industry." He qualified his statement – either Joe knows them, or he knows someone who does. I was humbled by his accolade.

I have made a conscious effort to live by some simple rules.  When it comes to customer / industry engagement; “People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.” You have heard, “It’s not what you know … it’s who you know.” My plus one- "It is not who you know; It’s who knows YOU!” And lastly, “Be YOU.” Being you is simple; be honest, add value and don’t just tell customers that you care - show them how much you care.

Six degrees of separation? Reduce that to two or three. Who do you know who knows another person … and how can you help?