What Happens Now?

She was a funny and intelligent young woman. Full of life. It was just so good being around her.

I didn't do enough of that, especially after she moved back to Italy. I didn't spend enough time telling her how much I appreciated her -- and why.

She died of cancer last week.

Do we do enough to tell the people we admire, those who support us, and even those who don't (see the social media silliness over who is right/real, etc.) how much they influence our thinking? How much we'd miss them?

I ran to Nordstrom for a make-up emergency the other day (yes, we do have those), and was introduced to a new line of products I didn't know by a knowledgeable representative. She kept saying she wasn't in sales, but that's exactly who I would put in such a position.

She was articulate, a great listener, passionate about the product line... and patient. We ended up talking about exercise -- I recommended IMX Pilates to straighten her core, suggested a store for running shoes, etc. -- and life. Her father had recently passed away, and she worried about her mother.

Her counsel on products was experienced and valuable to me. I ended up making the purchase, happily. And I know I will enjoy it, too. Upon parting, she invited a hug. It took me by surprise, because although we do that in Italy all the time, people don't do that here. If they do it, they don't mean it. She meant it, sincerely.

I consider myself fortunate for being aware that the most important part of connecting is being present to people and relationships.

Forget what happens next. What happens now?

What happens now is the key to superb executions, memorable experiences -- and a desire to repeat them. It works on me -- and I'm made of Teflon when it comes to marketing messaging and pitches. (I get so many that are off the mark, and volume buries the good ones)

When in doubt, be there. It will help you attract people, engage them, and often enough move beyond mere transactions to relationships. And you know what ignites relationships and keeps them going -- love.

If you don't love what you do -- for whatever reason -- find a way to love who you do it with and for. It will make a world of difference.

Don't worry about what happens next. Focus on what happens now.

***

BTW -- I got gifts wherever I went that day. Just by being open to making connections with people.

 

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Comments

[Gabriele Maidecchi]

We talk a lot about commitment and engagement, but very few people truly commit to what they do, very few people actually mean all those - often - empty words.
Loving what to do is the fundamental step towards more commitment and more engagement. You can't ask someone else to love what you do if you don't do it first.

[Gina]

Such an important message, and an often overlooked critical part of life and business. As I was rushing out of the coffee shop yesterday, cup in hand, head down, I was thinking how our culture is so focused on the "what next", and not in the now.

With tech advances moving at light speed, our lives have the potential to become more efficient, which allows us to achieve even more on a daily basis. I look for tools that help my efficiency, so that I can work smarter, but still enjoy life with my family and friends, or puruse my personal passions. It's all about balance.

As I noticed my rush yesterday, I secretly dreamed of spending a slow, relaxing summer in the village near Florence where I went to cooking school almost two decades ago.

[Patrick Prothe]

This hits very close to home and something I've been thinking about the past couple weeks. My sister was diagnosed w/cancer in March, had surgery two weeks ago and now faces a year of chemo. As a CPA she's stoic and practical as ever, but I can tell she's appreciating the little things in life. And so am I. Fortunately for her it's stage one so there's a lot of positive hope.

We get so busy in everyday minutiae not realizing all the time what's really important. You've also highlighted just what a difference a caring person can make at the point of purchase. Again, something so few companies get or even care about. Thank you!

[Diane Dick]

Your comments are so relevant in this modern day of online ordering, where people mean nothing other than an order and it's so impersonal that there are no humans at the end of the ordering system. I have an online business which is both pleasurable and fun, but the best part is meeting the people when I deliver gift boxes to them and connecting with real dialogue via emails and Skype to the people who order from me. They have become real friends and I consider it a privilege to be able to offer them my services for repeated occasions. It's actually not about the mass orders, but about real special people, with real lives.

[Valeria Maltoni]

to me, being in the moment, means forgetting your self a little, too, and taking in what is around you. That helps with being captivated.

[Valeria Maltoni]

you gave me a bit of food for thought here about efficiency for my Monday post. I think if we track results, we'd balance in favor of effective vs. what we perceive as being efficient. My mother taught me -- when you're in a hurry, slow down. You'll make fewer mistakes, and enjoy what you're doing a lot more, which gives off that nice vibe to others... I love Florence and surrounding area. Thank you for the visual.

[Valeria Maltoni]

I remember when Michael J. Fox announced about his health issues. He did an interview, I forgot where, and said how quickly you learn to edit down, get to the core of things. That comment stayed with me over the years.

Time and the people in our lives. Going around accumulating more of everything, when we hardly spend enough time looking at and enjoying what we have. My thoughts are with you and your sister.

[Valeria Maltoni]

gifts are such a precious exchange! It's the process of choosing the right one, thinking about the person, creating the story that surrounds the gift that is so enjoyable. Glad to know you're approaching it with such thoughtfulness.