so many amazing humans in the world with so much to teach us. Traveling to their companies gives us context. We see their family pictures in their office, awards they have won, hobbies they are into. We see body language and nonverbal communication that is literally impossible to capture from a computer screen. We get to know them and they us.
I have also become more discerning. I don’t need to be everywhere. I only want to jump on a plane and use my energy for those work trips where I can make a difference. Where I am needed and can add value to the conversation. Time is our most cherished asset. I respect the time of our clients. An in person meeting now is gold. It is not nearly as common as it once was, so it is appreciated even more.
Significant research and immersion is required by us to make sure that precious meetings result in being a benefit for all present and that they leave feeling it was time well spent. That they were understood. That they were seen. And that we wouldn’t be there if we didn’t think it was worth the effort to deepen the relationship. There is work to do together.