An old adage cautions against mixing business with pleasure. I'm not sure I agree with that in most contexts, but I don't have to worry about it much these days because every business experience I have is a pleasurable one.
For example, last evening, I had dinner with DeLores Pressley, an inspiring woman I met on Twitter a few years ago. I admired her when I first came across her Twitter page, so I picked up the phone and called her. (Yes, out of the blue.) We enjoyed a brief chat and since then, have been connecting off an on. When she told me she'd be in Charlotte to speak at a conference, we knew we had to meet in person. Here's some of what I learned from DeLores last night:
- Always follow up. At dinner, DeLores's iPhone beeped time and again as people at the conference emailed and texted her to say how much they appreciated her presentation. DeLores said she collected 500 business cards at the event, and reminded herself (and me) that the real work begins when she follows up with people to explore opportunities for the future.
- Explore existing connections. People you know always know other people, and in these technologically advanced times, you are probably already be connected to many people that you don't know well. All you need is a little reason to reach out to them in a more personal way.For example, DeLores is connected to TC Coleman and Lethia Owens. I've followed them for years, and they me. But we never really connected. Last night, that changed when DeLores told me she knew them personally. I Tweeted that I was having dinner with DeLores, and am now excited to have a chance to discover TC and Lethia in new ways. (Like me, TC is an attorney turned entrepreneur!).
- Help each other. DeLores is good at a lot of things, and I am good at a lot of other things. DeLores and I shared insights and tips in areas where we excel. This give and take is more precious than gold. But it doesn't just happen. You have to take the time, make the phone calls, get out there and materialize it.
You may think our meeting was all about business, but was so much more than that. Our meeting was about personal development and achievement. Connecting with DeLores enriched far more than my business. It enriched my life. I love mixing pleasure with pleasure!
Question: Have you connected with anyone on this level? When you connect with other powerful Indies, do you find that you enjoy mixing pleasure with pleasure?
