Creating an Elevated Environment: Make All the Friends You Can

Next up on my Creating an Elevated Environment series is: Make All the Friends You Can.  

I am continuing this series that focuses on hospitality and ways to incorporate it into your business for success. I’ve learned so many lessons working in the hospitality and food industry over the years that really stuck with me. The next lesson I have is: Make All the Friends You Can. I always strive to meet new people and make friends at every event I do with Table and Thyme or Mealfit. I do this because of my belief that success is cultivated through meaningful connections. Ask any working professional and they will probably tell you this: Networking is King. 

 When I meet a new connection and want to create a relationship, I stand by these guidelines:

Ask open ended questions and learn about them. It’s crucial to note significant qualities they have outside of the regular small talk. Being receptive to their perspective can also open your mind to new ideas and ways of thinking.

Always direct the conversation back to them. This is not all about you. Being selfless and valuing others will always take you farther in the long run.

Be aware not to interrupt. Respect the pauses so they can feel more comfortable opening up! Chivalry and manners go a long way.

Make eye contact and be present with them. Stay off your phone or watch. If your device does beep, don’t look at it! This is all to maintain that level of respect and focus.

Call them by their name when you leave. The sweetest sound to people is the sound of their own name. This also is good practice for remembering names in the future.

Introduce them to people you know. This will expand your web of connections and can lead to future relationships or even sales!

ALWAYS connect after the event or situation. Email is safest, but a handwritten letter is a more meaningful touch in my opinion. Following up can put you at the top of their mind. It is also important to keep in touch in case of future circumstances! Make friends everywhere you go and you will never go anywhere alone.

I would love to answer any questions you may have.

You can email me at thomas@thomascox.co or send us a message through a contact form.

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