The past few weeks, I can’t help but feel inspired and energized by all the connections I’ve made, conversations I’ve had, and events that I’ve been to. And it’s no surprise that authentic connection is at the heart of this energy.
This topic is particularly relevant in the world of writing. A lot of times, writing is viewed as a profession where you just put your head down and get the work done. But that approach is ultimately detrimental both personally and professionally.
I’ll admit it… part of the initial draw to writing for me before I started my business was the ability to work in solitude. But wow… when you see the power of being intentional about connection, solitude doesn’t look so intriguing anymore!
Spoiler alert: Even meetings can become fun!
Let’s dive in.
Cultivate your environment
Connection is a key component to cultivating your environment. Who we connect with shapes the types of interactions we have, the content we consume, and the energy we vibe with.
You’ve probably heard about this in relation to social media. Social media can be someplace you doom scroll, but it can also be a place where you get inspired!
LinkedIn is an even more tangible example of this. Sure, there’s one side of LinkedIn where people are only posting about their accomplishments or new jobs. But there’s also a totally different and incredible side to LinkedIn where you can follow and connect with some amazing people who are giving out great free guidance from their experience and their business.
Connection doesn’t just cultivate your environment through the content you’re consuming. It’s even more powerful in person (or pseudo-in-person over a video call).
As someone who cut their teeth in the corporate environment and was a project manager, I’ll admit that I don’t always love meetings. But I’ve found myself loving meetings recently because I’ve been intentional about who I’ve been inviting into those meetings and connecting with.
This oftentimes feeds a cycle of more amazing connections. So be intentional about fostering your environment.
Build your team
I love being a solopreneur, but I recognize we always need a little help from our friends. This can come in a variety of ways.
First….tactics. Just because I’m a solopreneur, it doesn’t mean that I can’t build a team. It just means that the team looks a little different than a traditional team. My team frequently runs their own businesses as well. But we provide complementary services. As a writer, it’s common to work with designers, editors, publishers, etc. So I can still have a go-to team that doesn’t work within my business but rather is part of my network.
Next… moral support. It’s important to build up a strong support network for your mental and emotional (and sometimes physical) health. These people can give you an outside perspective, encourage you when it’s tough, provide guidance, and generally give you a regular energy boost.
These groups of people are critical to success in your career whether that’s working within a company or starting your own company.
Elevate yourself and others
Through technology, we have the ability to connect with some pretty amazing people that we would otherwise not have access to. This creates the ability to create some inspiring and productive conversations and collaborations with others who may have been in your shoes a few years ago.
The converse is also true. You may have made it farther than you’ve realized or give yourself credit for. Connection is a great way to share your story, impart some wisdom, and help elevate others who may be struggling in a way that you’ve already overcome.
As the old saying goes, “Competition happens at the bottom. The people at the top are collaborating.” I have found this to be incredibly true.
So while you may want to put your head down, do your work, and move on with your life, it is mission critical that you prioritize connection for your personal and professional well-being.
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Disclaimer: This blog should not be construed as providing, or intending to provide professional financial, legal, psychological, or other professional advice. It is simply meant to share my experiences with those who may find them relatable and helpful.