We spent the last two days in a sales rally with our production teams. The team put on what I found to be a tremendous mix of encouragement, information, training, and fellowship. It was a joy to watch them teach and invest in each other as the majority of the sessions were hosted by our own teammates in a real-life example of iron sharpening iron. At the end of the event, I found myself super encouraged that our team knows where they are going, are equipped to get there, and have the mental and emotional fortitude to persevere on the journey.
During one session, we brought in three leaders from the Nashville real estate market. While all very different, the three represent the cream of the crop in terms of results, influence, and capabilities. They are people worth paying attention to for sure.
One comment in particular has stuck with me. When asked about developing new relationships and how to spark an initial connection, the answer was simple: "Be where I am".
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:23-25)
Emails, texts, or calls from an assistant or teammate may work once a relationship is secure, but they aren't much of a fire starter. We are built for community with each other and with God.
If you want to build professional relationships, spend time with professionals. Go to networking groups, chamber meetings, association meetings, educational classes, closing tables, community events, happy hours, etc. Do not neglect meeting together in community. Partnerships are with people, not screens.
Partnerships are with people, not screens.
The same is true with God. If we want to hold tightly to the hope that God will keep his promise, it seems reasonable that we must spend a little time together. Be where He is. Pick up his word, seek godly influencers and fellowship, and tap into where He is...right inside your heart in quiet moments alone together. Be with I Am. He's already promised that he'll be where you are if you let Him.
Think of ways to motivate each other to acts of love and good works. That is what service is about- loving customers and leaving them better for the encounter. That takes teamwork, and teamwork takes relationship, and relationship is strengthened by presence and togetherness.
Be where, and with I am.
“God replied to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’” (Exodus 3:14)