The word “value” is a buzz word in the business world nowadays. I hear all about how people have to give value, create value and sell value. Value, value, value—it’s a great thing but it’s easy to forget the reason behind all this value that’s being offered.
Value in the business world is meant to improve the lives of the people and to connect with the customer on a personal level (while maybe also selling a product in the meantime!)
I think we can take this value mindset and apply it to our personal lives too—because behind every interaction, there is a person. And that’s someone you can connect with.
Here’s how.
Ask Yourself This Question
Start looking for these opportunities by asking yourself one simple question: “What can I do to improve the day of the next person I meet?” It may not be a huge impact, but even something small can help someone feel valued.
Once you start looking, you’ll notice that the world is full of these opportunities. The secret is that every moment is an opportunity to make someone’s day better.
Take Time to Slow Down
Don’t let an opportunity slip by you because you’re too focused on getting from point A to point B to stop and notice the small ways that you can make a difference.
Sometimes it’s those small, unplanned, spontaneous moments that might make someone’s day a little bit better.
Helping people feel valued means that you take the time to slow down to notice the people around you and do something as simple as saying hello.
Notice the Opportunities
When we think that things happen by coincidence, we don’t make the most of a situation or we may miss the opportunity altogether. Here’s a few perfect examples:
The UberEats driver that dropped off your take out meal? Tell him you appreciate his hard work.
The customer service rep on the phone? Try to find one nice thing you could say about the way they handled your call.
The neighbour that seems to always be in a bad mood? Try giving them a smile and saying hi—maybe even ask them how they’re doing.
The friend who you’ve been meaning to catch up with? Give them a call and see how they’re doing.
There is an opportunity in every situation—start viewing the world as an opportunity to grow and you will see so many things that looked like coincidences transform into opportunities right in front of your eyes.
Take Time to Smile
There is power in smiling. You can smile to make yourself feel good, and to make others feel good too.
Did you know that children smile around 400 times a day? Adults, on the other hand, only smile on average around 20 times a day. No wonder kids are happier than adults! We can learn something from children.
Try intentionally practicing your smile throughout your day to see what happens. Do you notice a difference in the way you interact with people or in the way you feel? Comment below if you try this out and tell me your results!
Ask People How Their Day is Going
If you’re trying to connect with someone, try asking them how their day is going. Chances are they will open up to you because it’s just not a question people get asked that often anymore!
Be genuine when you ask and listen to what might be going on in their life that could be impacting their day. Just by listening you are showing that person that you value them and that you want the best for their life. You never know what that might mean to them.
Listening to Their Heart
It’s easy to ask someone a question and then get distracted by your own thoughts that you completely miss the answer. I know this has happened to me before! In order to help other people feel truly valued, you’ll have to be an intentional listener.
Listen to what they are saying and how it speaks to what is going on inside. The heart is always looking for new ways to connect and you can be the connector for someone. Listening well is a gift and it won’t go unnoticed!
Start with Five Minutes a Day
This kind of intentionality doesn’t have to take up your entire day. It’s possible to slow down for even just five minutes a day as a chance to pause and look around you. You can see if there is anyone who might need a value boost.
If your focus is on finding moments at the perfect time or in the perfect way, you may end up missing amazing opportunities. Life is not perfectly planned out all the time and that’s why it’s better to keep your eyes open for small windows of opportunity instead. Then, your life will be filled with these meaningful connections.
Don’t Ignore Opportunity
Don’t ignore an opportunity to connect by mistaking it for a coincidence. Embrace any moment you can and if you ever find yourself feeling disconnected, stop and think “where is the opportunity here?”
I guarantee you opportunity will be attracted to you and you’ll see it clearly. When this becomes part of your routine, you will never wonder if somethings was a coincidence ever again. Opportunity is everywhere!
Connect the Dots Worksheet
Sign up to get the free Connect the Dots Worksheet for this week’s topic! This worksheet will help you create a plan for taking action in your own life. There’s a new worksheet every week and once you’re signed up, you’ll get them automatically!