I like to use quotations to highlight and build a case; Also to lead people to think and reflect.
While looking for quotations for the word connect, I found that sometimes we in the business world look at connecting, not in a wrong way, but incompletely.
“I cannot join the space program and restart my life as an astronaut, but this opportunity to connect my abilities as an educator with my interests in history and space is a unique opportunity to fulfill my early fantasies.”
~ Christa McAuliffe
The word connect is highlighted. It is the action which is taking place. But let us not miss what is being connected”¦
Abilities
Interests
Dreams
In the business world we focus on the value of connecting in economic terms. How many new customers we get”¦ How many new sales”¦ How much money we make.
But I’m here to say that none of that happens unless: Abilities, Interests, and Dreams are involved.
Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying. There is nothing wrong with economic gain. But to profit for the long term, economic gain can not be the root purpose.
If I want to make something happen and have not all the Abilities to make it happen, I need connections to fill in the gaps.
To want to make something happen and have not a real interest in it, I will soon abandon the project. But, if I have an Interest in it, and I find others with similar Interests”¦ together, working in unison, the project moves forward.
To want to make something happen and have not a Dream to see it through, I may complete the task, but it may not be my best effort. But if I have a Dream and find others who feel the passion of my Dream, what successes we enjoy.
We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.
~ Herman Melville
Let us realize our need for connecting is basic – we’re not in it alone. There is no reason one should feel the need to go it alone. I’ve heard people say they can’t afford help. Actually they can’t afford to refuse help. Clearly, people working together intensifies the result and the experience.
Connecting what we do with what is within us, our Abilities, Interests and Dreams is what drives us. Connecting with others in common cause boosts everyone to higher levels of achievement.
Now there is one twist that makes connecting really worth while”¦
“It makes no difference whether you are a mailman, a hairdresser, an insurance salesman, a housewife – whatever. As long as you feel you are serving others, you do the job well. When you are concerned only with helping yourself, you do it less well – a law as inexorable as gravity.”
~ Arthur Gordon from his story “The Turn of the Tide”
Doing what we do for the sake of serving others is a foundation for achieving success.
We can’t be totally fulfilled with only economic returns. We need to know, deep within us, that we make a difference in peoples lives.
Isn’t this the real profit?
Let us use our Abilities, Interests and Dreams, in conjunction with others, for the purpose of making a difference in peoples lives. This is how connections produce growth and real profits.