Connect, Collaborate, Create
Are you feeling out of sorts? That’s to be expected during these unusual times. Things may not be flowing smoothly and your personal rhythm may have been thrown off. Sit back and grab your favorite beverage. I’m going to share some interesting things that have happened to me during this time of quarantine, in hopes of providing some food for thought and some encouragement.
What happens when you connect
We may be quarantined but we’re not totally disconnected from the outside world. An interesting thing that has happened is that people are reaching out more and connecting in ways they never had. In this photo, I’m waiting to hop onto yet another Zoom call. I’ve been asked to do about six interviews or online presentations in the past several weeks.
All of these people found me on social media. Some of them I already knew and others were brand new connections. This particular call was initiated by a young sales coach from London. He assembled a team of experts to talk about alternative ways we’re helping people with ADHD traits. He loved the idea of drum therapy, so he reached out. Like me, he also has the symptoms but he doesn’t take stimulants.
How did I attract these types of opportunities?
It was often a result of something I posted on LinkedIn or Facebook or a post that I commented on. This is why you need to stay visible! Don’t always push your products or services. This is the time to serve, not sell. If they want what you have to offer, the conversation will move forward.
I will admit that I panicked a bit and started putting out all kinds of new services in order to boost sales during the pandemic. Hey, I’m human. I was wondering what I could do to serve people and pay the bills.
Doing online interviews may not boost your bottom line but it usually comes back to you further down the road. You never know who was listening, who you just blessed, or who may reach out at a later point. This happens to me all the time.
Here’s another tip: Connections often lead to collaborations. Keep your options open. You might meet someone whom you want to work with in some way.
Connecting also helps you stay sane. Reach out, call someone, do a video chat, or just message them to check in and see how they’re doing. I am thankful that I have a friend who is helping me navigate the confusing world of unemployment. I’ve also been having virtual coffees with friends as well and video chats with the grandkids.
Tuning In
If you want to go deeper and really move forward, you may need to take some time to reflect and connect with God. Now is a great time to spend more time listening. I’ve gotten some great ideas and answers lately and I’m drawing and journaling what I see and hear. I’ve also gotten more peace.
Check out this 3-minute video where I compare tuning a drum to re-tuning your business or your life and the importance of listening:
Dori Staehle, MBA is from the Raleigh, NC area and is a certified drum therapist, drum teacher, percussionist, ADHD specialist, Toca percussion artist, and owner of Next Stage Drumming. She helps people focus, feel better, and find their joy – with drumming! Dori is also an inspirational speaker, and an Amazon author. She’s currently working on her second book, which is about rising up and finding your purpose.
