Clients often want to polish their skills in: marketing, prospecting, public speaking, client relationships. Trying to be perfectly polished in all these areas is overwhelming. There are so many experts and zillions of techniques. It’s confusing!
Let’s make it easy! The common theme is the ability to build connection. If we focus on building connection, we’ll be successful across multiple situations and venues. YES!
Building connection is less about tactics and more about values that are the cornerstones of connection. If we live these values it makes everything easier. We’re more naturally successful because of who we are, rather than how we are acting (pun intended). Even better, we don’t need to memorize a wiki-load of specialized techniques, because the tactics that arise from the cornerstones of connection are infinitely transferrable and universal.
The four cornerstones of connection are:
- Care for Others, First (because care is more important than polish).
Lack of polish won’t dim the power of genuine care. Think of beloved mentors, friends, peers and leaders. Were they all flawless models of polished perfection? Probably not. Likely, their care was more important than polish in building strong connections and lasting relationships. Even more, caring people are highly motivated to serve well, perform and deliver results. So if they lack polish or skills, they will work to improve. Caring for others is the path to connection, performance, results and polish.
Universal Tactic: In all communications and actions, first, focus on how you serve and deliver for others. People connect to those who care about them, first.
- Be Honest & Clear (because trying to be everything is a confusing lie)
Trying to be everything is impossible, but we cling to that dream. We believe the lie that: I can serve everyone, I can project expertise in all those areas, I can do it all! If we believe that confusing illusion, then we project that confusion. People can’t connect, because they’re confused. Even worse, true differentiators and points of genuine connection are lost in the mess. When we embrace honest clarity and focus we attract people who want to connect with who we really are, making it easier and more successful.
Universal Tactic: Make every communication (digital, print, personal) honest, clear, focused and consistent across venues. People are attracted to what they like, relate to and understand.
- Be Authentic (because genuineness is profoundly appealing).
Genuineness is compelling. We crave it. Genuineness builds bonds, increases security and feels good! It shows people they can count on you. It is a fundamental building block of trust, which is crucial to connection. While you’re building polish, let your authenticity shine. It’s magnetically compelling.
Universal Tactic: Be real, respectful, accessible, straightforward, and honest about what you promise, do and deliver. People will feel valued, comfortable and confident.
- Deliver on Purpose (because people care about values & mission).
Viktor Frankl is famous for proclaiming that meaning and purpose is a profound human need. I agree! People are deeply moved by the power of purpose. Purpose based communication is alluring and motivating. When your communication connects to a higher purpose you resonate with the deepest parts of your audience. Connect to purpose and you connect to people.
Universal Tactic: Explain how everything is tied to a bigger purpose. People will know the meaning, significance and value of what you do.
For more on why connection beats polish, check out this blog on powerful speakers who win crowds with connection over polish.
Obviously, both connection and polish is best! Contact me to talk about both connection and polish!
