I’ve always believed that proof is in the action, action speaks louder than words, and seeing is believing. While I spend a lot of time talking in my personal life (and a bit here) about cultivating brand communities, I started thinking about how well I maintain my own personal network. What am I doing to make sure that the people that are important to the Jessica Randazza world are being well taken care of?
I talk to anyone that will listen about how much I love my mother, and how incredible both my brothers are, but when was the last time I proved it to them in action? When was the last time I sent my network notes just because? Or picked up the phone to reconnect with an old buddy? Or proactively try and bridge a rift between a good friend? What am I doing presently to cultivate a larger network? What am I doing to make sure that I’m an evangelist for their community (to ensure there is an equal social currency exchange)?
As much as I claim to be a proof-is-in-the-action-type-gal, I started to give it some thought I realized that I talk a lot and don’t spend enough time listening to the people that matter most.
Ask my mother how HER day is.
Ask my friend what HE is doing at work.
Ask my best friend about her daughter.
Send a note just because.
- Check in with my cousin. Call my grandmother (see how cute she is).
Buy (and send) something that reminds me of my brothers.
Talk less, and listen more. Learn from your community. Cultivating equal and long-lasting relationships.
Proof is in the action, and I fully intend to practice what I preach.
What about you? How are you cultivating your own community?
I’m an advocate for letter-writing to show people that you’re thinking of them. Writing to someone takes dedication to time, handwriting and spelling, and it comes as such a surprise when a non-bill envelope arrives on the doorstep these days. That’s my main relationship-cultivating tool!