Editor’s Note: This is a continuation of our core conversation on “Great Connections Lead to Great Ideas.” Yesterday, Jenny Blake showed us how to have a creative day of genius. Today, Pam Slim challenges us to discover what’s beyond our “regular”.
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I go to the same Starbucks every day, right after I drop my kids off at school. It sees a fair amount of traffic, since it sits on a busy corner on the way to the freeway.
Here in Arizona in the summer, it is so hot that you can get blisters on your hand if you touch a car handle that has been sitting in the direct sun. So I often use the drive through when I want to avoid heat stroke.
Pulling up to the window, I say (always) “May I please have a Venti Nonfat Latte?” I would assume that this is a fairly standard order, especially early in the morning. And I would assume that as one of many hundreds of suburban Anglo moms that order through that window, my voice would not sound terribly unique.
But one day, someone said “Sure Pam, anything else?”
At that point, I knew I had become a “regular.” A regular has perks, like still getting my drink on days I forget my wallet. And not having to order when I come into the store, because as soon as they see me, they start making my Venti Nonfat Latte.
I love being a regular. Being a regular feels warm, safe and familiar.
In our circles of connections, we also get quite comfortable with the “regulars.”
We read a certain set of blogs, and banter back and forth on Twitter or Facebook with a set group of friends. We often reference the same set of authors and experts.
What if, as part of our practice of building community in a given year, we ventured out to find twelve previously undiscovered wonderful people that no one in our “regular” networks knows?
What would happen if one day, instead of going to my corner Starbucks, I went to a new little independent shop and ordered
I bet all kinds of good things, and ideas, would come of it.
More about Pam: Pamela Slim is a seasoned coach and writer who helps frustrated employees in corporate jobs break out and start their own business. Her blog, Escape from Cubicle Nation, is one of the top career and marketing blogs on the web. A former corporate manager and entrepreneur herself for more than a decade, she deeply understands the questions and concerns faced by first-time entrepreneurs.
Pam’s book Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur was released in Spring, 2009 and won Best Small Business/Entrepreneur Book of 2009. Pam is frequently quoted as an expert on entrepreneurship in publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, & Psychology Today. Pam is married with three kids and lives in Mesa, Arizona.
I so agree! Who knows who you might bump into? The conversations you get in at this new place might just be the ones that inspire you to take the next big step in life’s path!
I agree Tracy! It is like finding Narnia behind the wardrobe door. 🙂 @TracyNunnelley
Hooboy, I needed this reminder. The regulars are wonderful and important to support & appreciate, but reaching out is extremely important, too. I started thinking about this a few weeks ago, on a plane, when I decided to experiment with saying hi to fellow travelers instead of ignoring them unless they spoke to me first. I made some AMAZING friends that day. Whodathunkit?
Isn’t it amazing what happens when we stretch our wings? I totally LOVE and adore my homies like Charlie and Desiree and Jonathan and Seth, but my goodness, imagine how many cool folks are out there that we don’t know yet! I will share my 12 new folks with you, do the same with me! 🙂
@pamslim Abso-freakin-lutely. ;}
I just discovered Megan, now in my 12!
@HannahMarcotti If you broadcast who your 12 are and the 12 then discover you in return, and we all do that in public where other people can see… that gives us all a chance at a much bigger number than 12, I think, doesn’t it?Whoa, that’s an idea. Public venue for new people discovery. Probably exists. Anybody know of something like that?Nice to meet you, Hannah! :}
even if it does exist, i bet you could do it better and with more joy.
@jeremymeyers Your comments make my Monday morning fantastic. :}
There’s nothing more awesome to me lately than finding a new person I really connect with or a writer that makes me think about things a little deeper, a little richer, in a way I hadn’t considered. Routines and regulars are important, but evolving, stretching, and leaving the easy path are hugely rewarding too.
Me too. I will always cherish my circle of friends, but new ideas breathe life into ALL of our work! @Good Life Road
@Caley we’ve still gotta get together for that coffee! 🙂
@mattChevy Yes! I meant to DM you yesterday. I’ve slowed down a lot now. When’s good for you?
So inspired to do this today!!! would love to share the 12 once I find them!!!!!! And learn other’s 12.
That’s a great idea, I will share some cool new folks I meet on this thread as well! @HannahMarcotti T
I’m with Megan. My thing is that I have been looking up when I am out in public and looking at people as they pass by or are near me and am saying hello instead of the usual ignoring them. People respond really well to being acknowledged. Imagine that!
Amazing, isn’t it? When you are more open and tuned in, life is just sweeter. And that is when a lot of opportunities seem to jump out. I once took a flight, and by the end had two new clients on either side of me on the plane. Imagine if I had just read People Magazine 😉
I’m actively working to do this (and making it fun, because meeting new people should be fun! 🙂 and it’s something I’m aware of especially when I go to conferences. If I hang out with the same people I won’t meet new ones, learn new ways of doing things, and generally open my mind. Thanks for the awesome reminder Pam! 🙂
Why We looking for new friends. We don’t have a time for old.