I have been accused several times of not doing enough outside of my business - just for the fun of it.  I do have to admit that I think about my business 24-7, and yes, it is even on my mind when I am sleeping, but that is when most of my new ideas come to me.

The skill of connecting with people on a deep level is not something that I can turn on and off.  I do not have business relationships that are separate from personal relationships.  There is so much intertwining of those two aspects of my life that there is no clear line of distinction. 

In my life, relationship networking is like a ball of string - if you ever watched Quantum Leap you will understand this.  Although a long piece of string only has two ends, once you ball it up, that string is connected to itself in several areas.  Each contact is different, but they are all on the same string.  Now add another string.

Each string is a lifeline.  There is a beginning and an end.  My life is touching several other’s lives, by contacting their string in different areas.  I dig deep by asking questions to find the gem that is the soul of each of my referrals.  It is MY challenge to find something unique about each person I meet and make at least ONE introduction to someone each time I meet with them.  This is my give.

I only refer my friends.  I only refer quality business professionals.  There is no distinction.  I am blessed to have as many quality business relationships as I do. 

On the start of Yom Kippur, it is a time to reflect back on the year and hope that this coming year will be a blessed one.  I thank all the friends I have in my life - old and NEW.  I am truly blessed.