This article will discuss not opening up emotionally when it comes to business relationships. This includes the type of vulnerability to be shown and how to be vulnerable in the work setting.
There is a trend in modern society when it comes to the business world that most people are not in an emotional state of readiness when they go into business relationships. I have personally witnessed a growing trend of opening up emotionally when it comes to business relationships.
While I know this is a great trend, it is actually quite intimidating, and I think this stems from the lack of care taken when creating the culture in many companies.
For instance, you never really learn the ropes of how to open up emotionally during the hiring process. You don’t learn how to create an environment for “humanizing” emotions when it comes to new hires.
You don’t learn how to recognize and incorporate this into your corporate culture. You don’t learn how to lead new hires into learning how to be vulnerable.
You don’t even learn how to say “I’m sorry” or “I understand” when it comes to the workplace.
Suppose you are in an organization that is not teaching a culture where new hires can step out of their comfort zones. In that case, you will likely fail in your attempts to learn how to “create a human connection.” You will probably miss the opportunity to form the necessary relationships for the growth of your business.
Most startups and small businesses go through the hiring process without an accurate idea of what it takes to build a healthy work culture. Once a company finds itself in a position where new hires aren’t necessarily prepared to learn how to adjust to and welcome these individuals into the culture.
Don’t make the mistake of narrowing down your networking efforts
We live in a world where it is easy to get stuck in a small bubble of understanding. You only surround yourself with people who think like you, and you only surround yourself with people who know your profession.
This is fine, but it is important to grow.
You want to make sure that you are constantly networking, yet, it’s important to avoid losing your emotions in the process.
Do what you have to do to network, but also keep yourself open.
Set aside time to network, but make sure you don’t make the mistake of focusing too much on quantity. Focus on quality over quantity.
Making a connection with someone in your network
There are few things as powerful as a connection with another person. But, how do you build that connection?
It takes energy, intention, and an open heart to make a connection.
When you first meet someone, it is always advisable to know their story and listen to them. This is a time where you are more likely to discover something deep and personal about them.
This is a powerful time.
You also want to take the time to be truly authentic. This means being transparent with the other person and revealing things about yourself, as well.
Don’t focus too much on the small talk that often accompanies conversation.
So, how do you connect with a person you just met?
Whenever you meet someone new, you should have several questions or things that you want to know about the other person, and I’d suggest asking them to ask you something, too.
When someone asks you a question, you are at your most vulnerable and open. This is an opportunity to be transparent, and this is where you have the opportunity to connect. So, do this.
Once you make a connection, you want to let that person know you like them.
What does that look like?
You want to let them know that you enjoy their company. That is what love is, right?
Enjoying other people.
You also want to let them know that you wish to get to know them better. It’s important to be open and let them know you want to get to know them better.
After you feel comfortable enough to let them know you like them, you are better able to make small talk. These small talk conversations can help your relationship with that person, but it is important to be careful when approaching this.
Make sure that you are genuine and that you aren’t giving too much.
You want to tell them that you enjoyed talking to them, but make sure that you also tell them that you have a lot to learn from them and that you’re interested in learning more.
Once you feel that they are open to the conversation, you can have more meaningful conversations, which can help deepen your connection.
Telling a person to ask you out
So, you’ve found yourself in a situation where you are attracted to someone, and you are ready to have a conversation. But, you don’t know how to approach the conversation.
Or, you know how to have a conversation with them but don’t know how to ask them out.
Let me try to help you here.
You want to do the following:
Say something like, “I really enjoyed talking to you. What was your name again?
I want to get to know you better. I’d love to get your number or add you on Facebook.
Would you be interested in that?”
This is a concise, simple message. It is simple and to the point.
Your chances of getting a “yes” response are better if you take the time to make a person feel special. It’s almost as if you are placing a little piece of your heart in them.
You are placing yourself in their world. That is powerful stuff.
Being authentic
So, if I am a bad kisser, what does that mean for me? It means that I am not authentic.
Being authentic can be a powerful thing.
It is one of the things that attracts others to you. The more you tell someone your authentic self, the more connected you are to them.
You have a lot more to offer them, and you will be able to connect with them better.
So, this is what being authentic means to me:
I have given you a piece of my heart.
You have a piece of mine. And we are connected.