When you just don’t click

Happy Tuesday! As a reminder, I write about how we can better cultivate the connections that matter to us - professionally and personally.

Ever felt like you're swimming upstream in a conversation, each word a struggle, each moment stretching into an eternity?

That was me last week. Despite a web of mutual connections and shared interests, the conversation felt like pulling teeth. And it got me thinking about the power of intuition in networking.

The Uphill Battle

I love connecting with people; it's my jam. But every so often, I encounter someone where the chemistry just isn't there. Last week was one of those times. I went into the call buzzing with energy, ready to connect, but found myself counting the seconds until it was over. It was like trying to mix oil and water; no matter how hard I shook, they just wouldn't blend.

We could keep scraping through layers and layers - is it just that there are differing interests? Conflicting values? Is there a perceived power imbalance? To all of those questions, my only response is - does it matter?

The Lesson: Trust Your Gut

I used to think it was my fault, that I was somehow lacking. Or maybe my energy was off - did I not get enough sleep? But the truth is, not every connection is meant to be made. It's like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole; you can force it all you want, but it'll never be a seamless fit. And that's okay.

Your Action Plan

If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't be afraid to say 'no' to further engagement. Trust your intuition. Save your energy for connections that feel as natural as a river flowing downstream, not ones where you're constantly swimming against the current.

To trusting our gut and the freedom of effortless connections,

- Zvi

P.S. Remember, your network should energize you, not drain you. Listen to your intuition; it's smarter than you think.