a time machine for relationships

I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.

You know that feeling when you find a $20 bill in your winter coat from last year? Your calendar is like that coat – full of forgotten treasures, except instead of cash (and not just a wad of old tissues), it's connections.

As we wrap up another trip around the sun (and desperately try to remember where we stored our holiday decorations - it’s not too late), one of my favorite rituals is reviewing my calendar from the past year. Not for the meetings themselves – honestly, who wants to relive that awkward client presentation from March? – but for the people.

Here's why this matters: The folks who still make you smile when you see their name a year later? They're your relationship gold. These are the connections worth nurturing, the ones that could blossom into something meaningful in the coming year.

Taking Action:

1. Block off 90 minutes (yes, actually put it in your calendar – ironic, right?)

2. Start from January 1st of this year

3. Scroll through each day, noting names that make you think "oh yeah, they were awesome!"

4. For each person you identify:

   • Add them to your CRM or contact system

   • Send a simple message: "Hey! Was just reviewing my year and remembered our great conversation back in _______. Hope you're doing well!"

Here's the beautiful part – you don't need to ask for anything. Just reaching out shows you care enough to remember them. And trust me, in our world of algorithmic connections and AI-generated birthday wishes, genuine human remembrance stands out.

Most people won't take the time to do this review. Most people won't reach out. Most people will let these potential relationships fade into the ether of "maybe next year."

Don't be most people.

To your intentional connections,

-Zvi

P.S. If this calendar review intrigues you, here’s my full year in review process, one of my favorite rituals.

If you found this valuable, have you snagged my course on cultivating your network?

I’ve spent the past 12 years helping people like you grow their businesses and careers by cultivating the relationships that matter. I took everything I’ve learned and practiced and put it in a professionally produced online course.

You can grab it for free right now. ➡