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- Reach out when the world's going wild
I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.
In times like these, when the world feels like it's being shaken like a snow globe by an overenthusiastic toddler (no reference to any current political leader or reality TV host), our natural instinct might be to hunker down and wait for things to settle. Or doom-scroll social media.
Living in DC, I’m surrounded by government employees, federal contractors, and non-profit leaders who are going through an unprecedented black swan event. It would be too easy to act like business as usual.
When uncertainty is at its peak, that's precisely when reaching out to others matters most.
Let's face it - none of us have the crystal ball that tells us how tariffs will shake out, where home prices are heading, or what's going to happen to your local doodad economy. And pretending you have all the answers isn't just inauthentic - it's exhausting. The truth is simpler, and more powerful: you don't need to have solutions to be valuable.
The magic is in showing up
When I reflect on the moments in my life where someone made the biggest difference, it rarely involved them swooping in with perfect answers. It was almost always about them simply being there - a text, a call, an ear to listen.
Think about that for a second. In our achievement-oriented world, we often believe we need to offer something tangible - advice, connections, opportunities - to justify reaching out. But what people crave most during chaotic times is knowing they're not navigating the storm alone.
The most powerful message you can send right now is: "I don't know how this all plays out either, but we can figure it out together."
Taking Action
Here are some simple ways to reach out effectively when things feel uncertain:
Lead with curiosity, not certainty: "How are you processing everything that's happening?" works better than "Let me tell you what's going to happen."
Create space for problem-solving: Two heads navigating uncertainty together almost always outperform one head trying to figure it all out alone.
Keep it low-pressure: A simple "No response needed, just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you" removes the burden of reciprocation.
Be consistent: Small, regular check-ins often matter more than grand gestures.
Remember, while you're busy trying to make sure you and your immediate crew are in good shape (as you absolutely should), extending that circle of care outward isn't just good for others - it's good for you too.
So before you close this email and move on with your day, ask yourself: Who in my sphere might be feeling particularly uncertain right now? And then, reach out. Not because you have the answers, but because showing up is the answer.
Until next week, Zvi
P.S. You don’t need a perfect reason to reach out. “Just thinking of you” is reason enough.
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Social media is a powerful tool, but it can easily become a time-wasting trap. In this video, I’m sharing how to use it intentionally to build meaningful relationships and grow your network without the distraction!
Topics discussed:
How to avoid mindless scrolling and focus on building connections
The power of social media as a broadcasting tool for starting conversations
Tips for staying in touch with even your loosest connections
How to spot valuable relationships and take them off the network for deeper connection
Simple, actionable strategies to make social media work for you, not against you
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