“It’s easy to impress me. I don’t need a fancy party to be happy. Just good friends, good food, and good laughs. I’m happy. I’m satisfied. I’m content.” Maria Sharapova
If you travel as much as I do, you know that dining alone is something that you get used to doing. Sometimes I’ll bring a book, a crossword puzzle, or simply play with my phone to entertain myself.
When I have the time to do so, I like to reach out to people in the area that I’m going to be in and find a friend to have dinner with. It doesn’t work out all the time, but when it does, it’s pretty awesome.
While recently in Denver, I posted to a closed Facebook group that I’m in the area and would to connect with a friend while here. A woman that I did not know, Anne, reached out to me, rearranged her schedule, and met me downtown for an amazing three-hour dinner. We have lots in common, shared lots of stories, and laughed – a lot! What a gift!
The best thing about social media is when you actually use it – to be social! I know there’s a certain element of “stranger danger” getting together with people you don’t know. After all, what if it doesn’t work out? What if they’re not who you think they are? etc.
Well, what if they are? What if you can establish a new connection and a new friend, just by reaching out to someone new?
This experience reminded me that I really need to do this more often. I’m not going to be always able to connect with someone – but I can always try.
What have you done lately to expand your network of friends? Business connections and networking events are great – but it’s our personal friendships that bring joy and laughter to our lives.
Have fun,
Lisa
PS – I’m grateful for the friends I have now and my friends I have yet to meet.
PPS – Employee engagement begins with a vision: https://eliteexpertsvideonetwork.com/lisa-ryan-employee-engagement-begins-with-a-vision/