Friends of Dave #192: digging for legos
Remembering and embracing the power of close connections
Earlier this past week, a business connection of mine posted on LinkedIn soliciting thoughts about how our lives have gotten better over the past year.
After some reflection, I responded that I have been surprised to find that my connections with people have grown stronger.
You may recall earlier this year, before everything shut down, I used this space to talk about the subtle difference between being connected to vs. connected with people. Then we all were told to quarantine -- and the face-to-face interactions we once took for granted quickly became more scarce.
But a funny thing happened along the way -- we suddenly had more time to check in with one another.
And, for me, it has been interesting to see how the connections we make with with people along the way can run deeper than we expect.
Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to reconnect with at least 10 separate people from my past on some level and for separate reasons. Most of them have been via text, calls, inbound email or video chat. This was not due to some sort of initiative I undertook or concerted effort. It has been 100% by coincidence or organic.
In each case, I was reminded how these relationships have been enduring despite the passage of time, the distance between us or changes that have gone on in our lives. It can be really cool getting on the phone with someone you haven't spoken to in over 10 years and having a conversation pick up like the last time you spoke was yesterday.
It truly speaks to the power of these connections we all make along the way. We really shouldn't take them for granted. And you never know how a simple interaction can blossom into a friendship, a partnership, or a life long bond.
I'm lucky, and grateful, that in a small way I get to refresh my connection with each of you that opens this email each week.
Until next time, enjoy this week's article selections, everyone.
XOXO
Dave
Think on This...
Why People Become Internet Trolls
The internet allows us to share ideas at scale. In doing so, it reveals all elements of what it means to be human — the good, the bad, and the ugly troll. If we can address our potential for toxic disinhibition on an individual level, we have the power to collectively transform a “dark carnival” of antisocial primates, into a “brilliant banquet” of prosocial humans.
An involved read, but interesting and worth a look.
For Your Day Job...
10 Types of Innovation: The Art of Discovering a Breakthrough Product — www.visualcapitalist.com How do companies like Amazon and Apple consistently make game-changing products? Here are 10 types of innovation and the tactics that lead to breakthroughs.
Testing 5 different post types on LinkedIn and the results
This article shows you how to promote your content on Linkedin: what post type to choose and how to gain maximum views on your Linkedin posts. Very interesting and useful stuff.
Marketing Case Study: Dissecting an everyday story
Getting someone to change their worldview is hard. When it happens, that’s a big deal. Great look at how to effectively construct and tell a story that will connect and make your audience believe. Read it.
Your Weekly Dose of Randomness...
Boy finds missing lego piece in his nose after two years
Yes, there is a picture.
Why Grocery Stores Have Tiny Kid-Size Shopping Carts
One other lesson that tiny shopping carts are good, perhaps too good, at teaching kids: “what happens if you crash into someone.”
Fuel Your Imagination With Photos of Odd Gas Stations
Fortunately, no photos of the bathrooms though...
And The Last Word....
The 19th-century entrepreneur who pioneered modern ice cream — thehustle.co
It's summer time. Who doesn't like ice cream? And who doesn't want to learn about how it became the go to treat for kids and adults alike? Great story -- on the longer side.
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