Seeing the Future in Everyone You Meet

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

Have you ever met someone who saw more in you than you saw in yourself? That rare person who, even when you were struggling, could already see the greatness waiting just beneath the surface?

I recently connected with a coach who shared a simple but powerful philosophy: the ability to see people not just as they are today, but as the fullest version of what they could become.

He considers it both a gift and a responsibility - and honestly, it might just be one of the smartest ways to build meaningful relationships.

Why This Changes Everything

Most of the time, we engage with people based on their current title, achievements, or what they can do for us right now. But when we shift our focus to spotting potential, everything changes:

1. We actively listen differently. We search for clues about their deeper aspirations, not just their current circumstances.

2. We ask better questions. Instead of "What do you do?" we might ask "What excites you most about your work?" or "What would you pursue if nothing stood in your way?"

3. We connect at a deeper level. People intuitively sense when someone sees their potential, and they naturally gravitate to those who believe in them.

4. We build long-term relationships. When you invest in someone’s potential, the relationship extends beyond immediate transactions - it becomes long-term and truly valuable.

The Practical Side of Potential-Spotting

This isn't just about feel-good vibes. It's a tactical approach to building a network that grows in value over time.

Remember that scrappy entrepreneur you met years ago? The one everyone else dismissed? Imagine if you'd seen their potential and maintained that relationship. Or that junior team member who eventually became an industry leader? What if you'd been the one who spotted their talents early?

The people who will be running things in 5-10 years aren't necessarily the ones running things today. By focusing on who people could become, not just who they are now, you're essentially investing in future dividends.

Taking Action

1. Look beyond the resume. In your next conversation, try to spot the passions and strengths that might not be fully utilized in their current role.

2. Offer support aligned with their potential. Maybe it's a book recommendation, an introduction, or simply articulating what potential you see in them.

3. Be patient. Potential takes time to develop. The relationship may not yield immediate returns, but that's not the point.

4. Check your authenticity. This approach only works if it's genuine. People can sense when your interest is merely transactional.

As Oprah Winfrey wisely noted, "Everyone wants to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down".

Be the person who's willing to ride the bus - who sees the future CEO in the entry-level position, the visionary in the person struggling to articulate their ideas, the industry leader in someone just starting out.

Not only is it one of the most generous things you can do - it might just be the smartest networking move you’ll ever make.

Until next week,

Zvi

P.S. When you're spotting potential in others, the FAT Principle (Fun, Ambitious, Talented) can be a great filter. It helps you focus on people who have the right mix of energy, ambition, and talent to make big things happen.

On YouTube: The Secret to Non-Sleazy, Authentic Networking

Networking gets a bad rap—but that’s only because most people are doing it wrong. In this video, we’re breaking down what real networking looks like and how to build meaningful, long-term relationships without feeling fake or salesy.

Topics Covered:

• Why networking feels sleazy (and how to change that)

• The key difference between real relationships and transactional networking

• How to make networking feel natural and authentic

• The simple habit that helps you stay in touch with people you actually like

• Why giving, not taking, is the secret to building lasting connections

You can see all my videos and interviews on my channel! If you find these helpful, I’d appreciate a like, subscribe, and share with a friend, colleague, or enemy.

If you found this valuable, you might love Relatable. It’s the CRM built from the ground up to help you grow your network, not your business pipeline (but it does that too).