Because I choose to look for it, wisdom shows up a lot for me in normal daily conversations.  I strike up conversations with people that often bear fruit.  I to get to hear some great tidbits probably because people in Idaho seem to be quicker to open up and they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with me.  One came recently from a man I met at a trade show.

We were talking and he said that he never trusts a man without a limp.  I asked him to explain what he meant.  He went on to explain that it was when someone spoke about struggles as well as victories that he knew he was having a real conversation.  I agreed with him, I had just never heard it said that way.

I am one who is willing to “wear my warts” in conversation.  When I do, it seems to open the door for people to feel safe to share of themselves as well.  When these exchanges take place closeness can come about, and can be neat precursors to possible business relationships.

I often use short but meaningful conversations with other parents at playgrounds to promote my book on Family First Entrepreneurism.  I often give them a card and a short, no pressure, “check it out” suggestion. The ones that go to my site and become followers, often go there because of the interaction we had rather than the suggestion.

Promotion of your business on a one to one basis is about genuine relationship first and promotion second.  The interesting thing about writing this is that I find myself questioning whether I would be having these same conversations if I wasn’t promoting something.  The answer is yes.  I love meeting new people and hearing their stories.  That’s where the magic is.  It’s genuine, I’m present, and people sense it.  Remember it is okay to reveal your “limp;” it depressurizes early interactions and opens the door to make connections.