Meaningful CONNECTion to Your Community

I considered not releasing a newsletter this week. At least, I couldn’t decide what to write after such a tumultuous week. So, I’ll start with an explanation of CONNECT. Please, stick with me. I’ll tie all this back to business.

CONNECT formed as an ideal in terms of living life with intention. It was born out of a time when what I wanted in life and what I was pursuing in life were at odds. I was burned out, dissatisfied, and far removed from connecting to what I said were most important—my beliefs and values, my family, and engaging in meaningful work.

CONNECT is about mindful connection to God (or whatever higher power you connect to), your self, and your community. I believe that your thoughts become your words, those spoken outwardly and inwardly. Thoughts become actions. 

Be aware. Be observant.

When I taught yoga I closed most sessions with these words, “You may not control every thought that passes through your mind, but you do control which of those you allow to set up residence. Protect your mental real estate.”

Every year, starting in August, I mentally prepare myself for September. I lived in New York City on 9/11, and I worked for Deutsche Bank. 9/11 altered how I think, how I navigate the world. 

It was an unfathomable act. Totally surreal, like you’re living in a movie. 

For instance, I learned how to differentiate between a commercial jet and a fighter just by the sounds they made as they flew overhead.

I observed that women working at the pharmacy down the block from me wore baseball caps instead of traditional garments. It saddened me that they felt they had to alter their life due to someone else’s actions.

People I worked with at Deutsche told me stories about getting cursed at as they walked to work, because someone assumed they were “the enemy.” 

Generalizations like that are dangerous. How can a neighbor be an enemy?

We individually have a choice to connect when we connect with another human being. We have the choice to mindfully connect or to treat interactions as transactions. We can engage in meaningful ways or remain separate.

As business owners and creators you have the opportunity to connect with people every day. Do you approach your business interactions asking, “How will this client/customer receive what I’m giving?” or do you just complete a transaction?

Are there small ways you can give a little more than what others in your business give? How do you make your community of clients or customers feel special and noticed?

It takes a little extra work, but I include a handwritten note to every buyer when I ship their order. Some people acknowledge it, some don’t. And there are no expectations. I’m just trying to connect.

Don’t get me wrong, the practice of connection has nothing to do with external actions. Those are the fruit of the internal work. 

They say you have to love yourself first before you can love others, and it’s 100% true. If I haven’t learned to love who I am (just the way I am), then I will do things for you expecting something in return. I will write that handwritten note expecting recognition, and I’ll get upset if I don’t receive it. I’ll put conditions on my interactions with you without you even knowing it.

Conditions taint connection.

I hope you can see how this applies to your business just as much as it applies to the rest of your life. 

Maybe you’re thinking, “Michele, that’s ridiculous. I have to have conditions. Like expecting payment for service.”

Can we view this exchange without setting conditions? Apply this mindset: I (the business person) will provide such exceptional service (or product) that the buyer willingly pays me. In fact, the buyer wants to do repeat business, because they enjoyed the connection that much.

Your client, whether they live across the street, across the county, or across the world, is your neighbor. They are a viable part of your community.

I believe we create the world we want to live in. The internal environment we cultivate influences the external.

Consider this—you have influence. We all have influence every day. Be a good steward of every encounter with another person. And be a good steward of every encounter you have with yourself.

Your thoughts, become your words, become your actions.

Join CONNECT-collective on YouTube and LinkedIn!

I would love to have you as part of the CONNECT-collective community on our other platforms. If you are a solopreneur or entertaining starting your own solo business, I invite you to check out CONNECT-collective on YouTube!\ and LinkedIn! I talk about starting solo businesses to escape your 9-5 while avoiding burnout. I would love to see you there!

Sending you all Peace, Love, & Harmony!

-Michele

Do You Need Help Tapping Into Your Potential?

Are you struggling to meet your goals and wish you had support? Have you ever considered working with a coach? You may not know what a coach does.

One-on-One Coaching:

• You and I develop an individualized plan targeting your specific goals

• You receive individualized support from me

• Answers to your specific questions

• Guidance on your specific issues and blocks

• Accessibility to me outside coaching sessions for added support (individual texts and emails to check in)

• Your plan leads to learning how your personal growth is in your control

Are you ready to take action but are at a loss on what step to take next? 

I can teach you how to get started and accelerate your growth by using repeatable methods. Need the tools? I’ve got them. The goal is always to make you independent. I should be working myself out of a job. Once you take off, you may want to have a session from time to time, especially if you are scaling your goals. A good coach teaches you how to stand on your own two feet. Contact me today. Are you ready to CONNECT?