I have a friend named Russ. He always has a maniacal gleam in his eye, like he knows a great secret or he's just jazzed being Russ. He's a business coach. He must love what he does. His strength and presence make me think, if I hit him in the head with a frying pan, I'd hurt my arm but he'd never feel it. Not that I would hit him. That's just the New Jersey in me trying to make a point.
I see Russ at one of the places where I network. I network all the time. I created my own networking group, here in Atlanta, with my partner, Ann, five years ago. Our meetings are posted at http://www.FreedomBuildersInc.com under "Daily Boardrooms." I think I know a lot about networking. But when I see Russ, I think I might be doing something wrong.
Russ just shines. You would never hear a word of complaint out of him. Many people say, "If I were doing any better I'd be twins," but they're not excited. They're just saying that. Many people complain about the weather and the traffic. Sure, they laugh and joke and you don't think they're complaining, but they are.
Not Russ. He just seems so certain, like a rock, almost drunk on his power, drunk on whatever wonderful thoughts he seems to be thinking. It's a pleasure to watch him stand up and introduce himself to a room full of strangers. He is a symbol to me. His greatness is the impression he makes on me. We see what we are. We see what we look for. He inspires me to be bullet-proof.
I know I am bullet-proof when I talk about my stuff, my products and services. I try to be matter-of-fact. I leave plenty of room for questions, plenty of gaps, plenty of silence, plenty of room to let people say what they'd like to say, plenty of room to let them come to me. Yes, I call and follow up, but I'm careful. Networking can bring out the talkative salesman in me. I have to go slow.
To be bullet-proof - to be impressive - to be what we prefer to be - to be comfortable in our own skin - to enjoy other people, especially when we're business networking - that takes work. It's a subtle skill, to network and attract friends, to get great at interacting with people, to love it as much as an athlete loves his sport or a dancer loves her dance. To be in the zone, in the moment takes a lot of paying attention, a lot of listening, a lot of trust, in yourself, in the moment, in life.
What a wonderful thing to feel. What a wonderful thing to help others feel. Trust.
We are contagious. We attract people with what we feel. To consciously feel great, to always be happy, to always be bullet-proof, that is something to achieve. Then, who knows? Maybe someone will write an article about you and about how much you inspire them.
About the Author
Bruce Towers is president and co-founder of Freedom Builders in Atlanta, GA, http://www.freedombuildersinc.com a business networking organization that helps entrepreneurs and salespeople form valuable business friendships. Bruce co-authored the best-selling Wake Up And Live The Life You Love, Finding Your Life's Passion, and starred in Gordon Gano's Carmen in New York City.
