Advicetap Blog

Today’s guest post was written by Jeff Waldman, founder of Fusion Point in Toronto. In today’s post Jeff shares some insight on relationships and networking. Jeff has built up a huge network of meaningful connections not just “followers” so his words are worth listening too!

The world in which we live is shrinking exponentially before our eyes, and it appears that everyone knows everyone in all corners of the globe. This phenomenon is creating new kinds of relationships, but to be quite honest with you relationships are relationships because they’re with people, and the fundamentals of developing, growing and sustaining great relationships have remain unchanged. Why? People are feeling beings and the intangible things that influence how people feel don’t really change.

The methods and tools that we use in our interactions with people change daily, particularly with the explosion of social media such as Facebook, Twitter, Sprouter, Flickr, YouTube and a gazillion others. This explosion is not only happening in the Gen Y and X demographic groups, but also with Baby Boomers and to some extent the Traditionalists. Believe me, it’s critically important to stay on top of the latest and most effective tools available so that you optimize your efforts, but in my humble opinion what’s more important is being technically sound on the finer elements of relationships.

It’s pretty simple actually — the strengths of your relationships with people are based on authenticity, consistency and reciprocity. Mind blowing? Not really! Difficult to do? Absolutely! Are people good at doing this? Not really! Does it matter where your relationships exist (e.g. through social media with someone in Dubai or in-person with a neighbour)? Absolutely not!

Authenticity — be you! It’s so much easier and less exhausting when you just be yourself. When you meet someone for the very first time, subconsciously they are forming judgment about you. Be authentic right of the bat so the sub-conscious judging that goes on is based on truth and reality. There is nothing worse than meeting someone and being someone you’re not, and then over time your true colours start to naturally filter through. This is extremely detrimental to the relationship and the overall perception of “you” in the eyes of the person you have the relationship with. (….More)