Susan McPherson: Breaking the Networking Mindset - A Guide to Genuine Connection

The Uplifters

In a week where election results have left many Americans feeling the depths of our divisions, Susan McPherson's wisdom about authentic connection feels more vital than ever. As communities across the country grapple with political polarization and social isolation, her message about breaking out of our "hermetically sealed bubbles" and connecting across differences offers a path forward - not just for our personal relationships, but for our collective healing.

Growing up in the late 60s and 70s, Susan would watch her parents at the breakfast table, methodically clipping newspaper articles that made them think of friends, colleagues, and former students. With their manual typewriters, they'd craft personal notes to accompany each clipping before sending them off through the mail. This weekly ritual of thoughtful connection would shape Susan's understanding of what it means to truly connect with others - and eventually inspire her to write The Lost Art of Connecting: The Gather, Ask, Do Method for Building Meaningful Business Relationships to help others rediscover the power of meaningful relationships in our digital age.

As a self-described "serial connector" and someone who admits that connecting is "really the only thing I'm good at," Susan has developed a framework that flips traditional networking on its head. Instead of focusing on what we can get from others, she advocates for leading with how we can help - an approach that feels especially relevant in our post-pandemic world where many are craving deeper, more intentional connections.

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Start With Service: Instead of approaching connections thinking "what can I get?", lead with "how can I help?" This shift in mindset transforms transactional networking into meaningful relationship building.
2. Create Connection Rituals: Establish simple daily practices, like reaching out to 3-5 people each morning, to maintain and nurture your relationships. Even small gestures of connection can have profound impacts.
3. Know Your Superpowers: Before you can offer help to others, understand your own strengths and what you uniquely bring to relationships. This self-awareness builds confidence in social situations.
4. Break Your Bubble: Actively seek connections with people who don't look, sound, or think like you. In today's polarized world, this courage to reach across divides is more important than ever.
5. Practice Intentional Curiosity: Ask questions that elicit joy and show genuine interest in others' stories. The simple act of listening - truly listening - can bridge even the widest gaps between us.

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The Uplifters’ Web

This week’s opening is by the wonderful Kym Dakin

Susan was nominated by Daisy Auger-Dominguez.

Let’s keep rising higher together.

💓 Aransas