Building Connections

stood in the hotel ballroom clutching my name tag, watching people work the crowd like professional hunters. Business cards flew between hands, elevator pitches rolled off tongues with practiced precision, and everyone seemed to know exactly what they were doing except me.

The elevator lurched to a stop between floors, and suddenly my Tuesday morning became very different. Six strangers, all staring at our phones moments before, were now looking at each other with that peculiar mix of annoyance and

The evening air was warm as I found myself sitting in my elderly neighbor’s driveway, both of us drawn outside by a particularly stunning sunset. What started as a casual wave turned into an hour-long conversation

The coffee shop was packed that morning, and the only open seat was across from a man whose political views—advertised boldly on his hat—were the polar opposite of mine. I hesitated, coffee in hand, weighing my options

You know that weird feeling when you’re surrounded by people but feel completely alone? I had that moment last week, sitting in my usual coffee shop.

Have you ever left a networking event clutching a stack of business cards, yet feeling oddly empty? You’re not alone. For years, I approached networking as a numbers game