- Be More Relatable
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- when people show you who they are, take notes
I write weekly about the strategies, habits, and tactics around cultivating the connections that matter to you.
I had a lunch meeting ten years ago that I still think about today. Not because of any groundbreaking business insights or career-changing advice - but because of a bowl of soup.
I was sitting across from a more seasoned entrepreneur - someone I was eager to seek mentorship from. He was incredibly kind and interested in what I was working on. Under normal circumstances, I would have walked away thinking I had just added another valuable connection to my kitchen cupboard.
Then his soup arrived.
The bread that came with it wasn't to his liking. No big deal, right? Yet he sent it back three times, accompanied by master class in verbal abuse to a stunned server. I squirmed there, frozen, watching this seemingly kind businessman transform into… well… an asshole.
That interaction stuck with me like gum on a shoe. I couldn't shake it. More importantly, I couldn't see how I could maintain a relationship with someone who could reverse polarity so quickly.
Here's what I've learned since then, a few too many times: How someone treats anyone is how they'll treat everyone. Eventually.
Yes, they might be charming, supportive, and friendly to you now. But if you get glimpses of how they might treat you in a different phase - maybe when you inadvertently find yourself at odds with them, or hit a rough patch - take those as the gift they are.
Taking Action:
Pay attention to how potential connections treat people who can't directly benefit them
Trust your gut when something feels off, even if you can't immediately articulate why
Remember that professional relationships, like personal ones, are built on respect - not just for you, but for others
Don't ignore red flags just because someone is successful or well-connected
Maya Angelou famously said "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time." I'd add: And take really good notes.
Until next week,
Zvi
Feedback is a gift! What did you think this week? |
Not a natural people person? No worries — this video is packed with practical tips to help you connect meaningfully and confidently, even if it doesn’t come naturally.
Key Topics Discussed:
Nature vs. nurture: Do social skills come naturally, or can you learn them?
Simple conversation starters that actually work.
Systems to stay connected without feeling overwhelmed.
Overcoming the fear of rejection and awkward moments.
Why building relationships is worth the effort for personal and professional growth.
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