Why "Showing Up" Matters. Networks, Communities, Innovation and Partnerships.

The importance of showing up—both physically and emotionally—can’t be overstated. Whether in personal or professional settings, being present and engaged is often the key to forming lasting connections and setting the stage for opportunities that might otherwise pass us by. Sometimes, and most typically these opportunities aren't immediately visible, but by consistently showing up, you position yourself to discover them.

One of My Many Examples of The Power of Showing Up

If I had a dollar for every time I could trace a successful outcome back to the moment when "I met a guy” I’d have quite the collection. But the key wasn’t (it NEVER IS) just the initial meeting—it was about keeping my eyes open to the connecting points that followed and consistently putting in the effort to get to know that person over the years.

One particular example stands out: I once met a guy (the guy in the photo), a prominent figure in Metro Detroit, at an event. After our first encounter, I knew he was the kind of person I wanted to be around and learn from. I found his email and sent a follow-up message. We would occasionally run into each other at various events, I had a few opportunities to spend time at these events with his wife, and each time, I made sure to follow up with another text or email, engaging with him on social media, and finding opportunities to connect further. I’d invite him for coffee, happy hours—whatever it took to maintain the connection, he accepted, and I was grateful for his time.

Time and occasions passed, and I introduced him to what I was working on that was new, and, to my delight, he forwarded my email to his leadership team, paving the way for collaboration. It didn’t stop there; whenever I saw him featured in magazine articles, I’d snap a photo and send it to him, just to say hello and keep the connection alive. One particular time, I brought the magazine to Europe for airplane reading and while sitting in my hotel in Germany, who's face do I see in an article? I found it amusing to snap a shot of the article with a 17th century building behind it, to his amusement.

Our relationship continued to grow. More opportunities to connect, when he got a new office, I asked for a tour and more recent when our organization was planning a leadership broadcast on a subject, he is well-versed in, I reached out, and he accepted the invitation—partly, I know, due to the kindness and rapport we had built over the years, I could go on with the opportunities.

How Consistency Reveals Hidden Opportunities

This relationship didn’t just happen overnight. It was the result of consistent effort, showing up time and again, and staying engaged. The key insight here is that by consistently showing up, you not only build trust and deepen relationships but also uncover opportunities that weren’t visible at the start. These hidden opportunities often emerge because of the trust and rapport you've cultivated over time. It’s about more than just being there; it’s about being engaged and looking for connections and openings that might not be immediately obvious.

The Habit of Showing Up

Success often comes from making a habit of showing up—not just once, but consistently. The relationships we build, the opportunities we discover, and the trust we cultivate all stem from this simple yet powerful principle. By being present, emotionally engaged, and consistently involved, you position yourself to see and seize opportunities that others might miss.

Start Looking for Opportunities You Don’t Know Exist Yet

So, the next time you’re debating whether to attend that meeting, make that phone call, or show up for a friend, remember showing up is the first step toward not missing out on the success that could be waiting just around the corner. Look beyond the obvious and seek out those hidden opportunities. You never know where the next "I met a guy", that leads to various opportunities might come from, and the only way to find out is to keep showing up.

Lastly, of course I sent my friend this photo and of this share and told him thank you for being an example of this.

Like what you read? Please let me know through a thumbs up, a comment or share, thank you! Also catch more of my somewhat random thoughts through my "Show Up or Miss Out, The Art, Stories and Lessons of Relationships, Connections and the Opportunities They Bring for Success" https://www.dhirubhai.net/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7173004503359639555