The Connection: Are You Embracing It?

The Emmys had no host this year and I must say, I’m not a big fan of the host-less award shows. My first thought took me back to 2009 and watching Neil Patrick Harris put on a fantastic opening number that really kicked off the show. If you haven’t seen “Put Down The Remote” check it out.

He channeled old Hollywood with his look and the music, added just the right mix of humor to clever lyrics, and showcased his super vocal talents with a song encouraging everyone to watch the show.

The host is in charge of the night. They keep the presenters on cue, fill in any down time and overall create an experience for the audience and viewers at home. Without a host, the connection is lost.

I had a situation just last week when I needed to fly to Florida for a family matter with little time to plan. I normally fly Delta and I am honored to be a platinum memberand let me tell you, the customer service is extraordinary.Having theopportunityto talk to the woman on the phone and explain what I needed and her being right there to assist me, completely validated theloyalty and commitment I decided to make to one airline, Delta when I began business traveling.Again, connection.

I talk about connection in business all the time. You can meet 50 people at a networking event and get every single business card and send out follow-up emails, but that doesn’t equate to anything if you didn’t really talk and get to know the people.

When you show up in business, be the host of your company. Keep your team on cue, fill in slow time with new visions, create a solid company culture and build connections with clients.

As Neil said to put down the remote when it came to watching the Emmys, I say put down the phone or the tablet or whatever is in front of your eyes and get out into the world...the big stage.

People I’ve met at events I didn’t want to attend because I was “tired” or “busy,” have become some of the most powerful connections I’ve made.

You know when everyone says they watch a show and you must watch it, too, and then that show gets nominated for tons of awards, maybe an Emmy, and you’ve missed the chance to watch it and you know too much about what happened because of social media, so you can’t start it this late and you feel like you’ve truly missed out?

That is what happens when you stop connecting. Don’t miss out.

Go into the bank instead of using mobile deposit or walk into a local coffee shop and meet the owners. Call an old colleague to see if they need any resources, plan an event with your college roommates.

Be the host. Get everyone excited about whatever the next big thing may be, bring people together and keep the human connection alive and strong.

Ivy