Make A Referral Week

Great idea I just had to share with everyone.

Thanks

Who have you refered lately?

What are you waiting for?

When is “the right time” to do business?

Where is your next customer coming from?

Why do we accept that which we can change?

Jason R. Thomas

JasonR.Thomas@yahoo.com

A Dream is Like a River…Then Again, No It’s Not: Authenticity

During on of my conversations with Dixie Gillaspie she was asked which of the Five Laws of Stratospheric Success is the most difficult for people to incorporate into their lives. What an interesting question.

Obviously, the true answer lies only within us, to be shared if we choose. The irony is, the choice to share our true selves is one of The Five Laws. The Law of Authenticity states – The most valuable gift you have to offer is yourself.

As I look back through the encounters I have had so far on my Go-Giving journey, thinking of the wonderful people I’ve met along the way, this idea drives itself home. They have all shared of themselves in ways that most of us would never consider.

First, their time -  I mean why on earth would you take over an hour out of your busy schedule to meet a stranger, who happens to be looking for a new job? But the real proof of Authenticity comes during that meeting. The real proof of Authenticity, for me at least, has been the personal stories these people have told.

I heard a wonderful analogy for authenticity at church a few weeks ago. The priest explained that he enjoyed watching the Mississippi River from atop a certain bluff in the St. Louis area. The mighty river flows majestically through the landscape. Trees and greenery line its bank to the north and towering wall of stone rises from the depths on the south. (I think you get the “pretty picture” idea.)

Walking down to the banks of that same river, in the same area, you see a much different picture. Now you can see that the stained water is really just muddy sediment washed downstream from eroding banks. Branches and natural debris remind you of the destruction caused in recent flooding. Trash and litter ride the flow of water leaving no doubt that we, as humans, share an intimate yet tenuous relationship with Old Man River.

From high atop a bluff, the river is post card worthy. Is that the picture of yourself you show to the world? From up-close-and-personal the river is much different, as are you, as are we all, if we choose to show some authenticity. From experience, I have learned more from those who are willing to share themselves authentically. The brave souls who openly share the struggles they have encountered are inspiring and enlightening.

Obviously there are levels of authenticity that might not be appropriate for a first time networking meeting, so don’t think I’m talking crazy. At the same time, I think authenticity and receptivity are linked in a very direct way. Those areas you are courageous enough to share about yourself are also the areas you will be practicing the Law of Receptivity in.

It’s been true for me, how about you?

Who do you share yourself authentically with?

What stops you from being more authentic with the rest of us?

When will you let the walls and facades start to fall away?

Where do you have no choice but to expose a weakness?

Why don’t you practice being uncomfortable?

Give a little…

Give a little more…

Give a comment for the comment poor.

Jason R. Thomas

JasonR.Thomas@yahoo.com

Make Sure The Connection Takes – Continuing My Go-Giving Story

Do you know anything about electricity? Think for a moment about your networking being electric. That’s what we’re all after isn’t it? An electric reaction, sparks flying?

A few years ago, I installed a ceiling fan in my home office. It is nice fan complete with remote control. I have developed my amateur electrician skills since childhood but I still took the time to think through the connections, heck I even drew out a few alternatives. After deciding on the best way to proceed, I did.

All of the connections were made, from the switch, new electrical wire running through the wall and ceiling, to the fan itself. The fan was hung. That is about the biggest pain in the back, shoulders and arms, but it was done, and contrary to what all of you are thinking, I did read and follow the manufacturers directions. Light bulbs installed with care. Proudly, I called my wife into the room for the grand unveiling. Flipped the switch… Nothing, nothing happened. Nothing at all.

I double, triple and quadruple checked the wiring connections. They were sound. I installed a new switch, then a double switch so the fan would be on its own. I installed a new outlet. I rewired the entire thing…5 times, literally following all of the other connection options I originally diagramed. Nothing worked.

I talked to an electrician friend of mine, Terry Blatz, owner of Maryland Heights Heating.  (No I did NOT ask him to come fix it, where’s the fun in that.) He suggested that sometimes, on rare occasion the factory will produce bad electrical line, SO I ripped out the electrical wire and replaced it. I was stumped, completely.

Then I saw the remote control sitting on my desk with a battery next to it. I thought, I haven’t tried that. I put the battery in the remote and hit “on.” The light came on. I hit “high” and the fan spun – fast. Evidently the switch inside the fan, controlled by the remote, is factory preset to OFF and no amount of electricity will get through it until you put a battery in the remote and tell it to be ON. The manufacturer does not include directions for that little gem though.

What on earth does this have to do with Go-Giving. Well nothing I just needed to get that story off my chest. No, not really. The moral of the story is to check the connections you make. Make them in more than one form of communication. Let me explain further by continuing my story from the Meeting a Guru post. I ran home to connect Scott Becker and Dixie Gillaspie.

I typed a brief introduction to Scott, using the format I shared in the How Do You Introduce People? post. Then I thought to myself, “what if Scott doesn’t see your email. It has been long time since talked and he is a busy guy, what if it gets set aside to deal with later.” We’ve all done these things ourselves and I always feel bad for it later but sometimes life just gets in the way.

I decide to call Scott. I’ll just leave a voice mail, reminding him of how we met and that I dropped him an email about an individual he should meet. I dial the phone, it rings, a live voice answers…

The shock I feel every time that happens in this age of voicemails dissipates to a point that I can speak.

Scott and I catch up briefly and I tell him about Dixie over the phone. I get the chance to ask him about The Go-Giver and if he’s read it. Not only has he read it, but he gave about 100 copies out to clients and prospective clients as Christmas presents. WOW. He’s got to talk to Dixie now.

Then a most surprising thing happens. Scott suggests, after hearing about my career search, that he can help me by posting a profile in his weekly newsletter. I know his distribution list is huge. An entire industry gets his news letter and keeps up to day with it. This is HUGE. Following the 5th Law of Stratospheric Success I stay open to the possibility of receiving and say “Yes, thank you.”

Who is burning a hole in your mind?

What part of your agenda today can you share with another person and bring some value to their experience?

When is your next lunch meeting with a stranger?

Where do you hide when surrounded by people to meet?

Why stay hidden?