A good connection begins
with a reason.
Someone has a goal, a challenge, or an opportunity. Someone else has a resource, an introduction, or a useful perspective. Your role is to notice the connection.
Be curious about
the person.
“Who would be helpful for you to meet?” is often a more useful question than “Can I tell you what I sell?”
NRC puts relevance and help at the center of professional relationships. Learn what matters to someone, consider where you can contribute, and offer a next step they can choose.
One simple example
A business owner tells you they’re struggling to find the right accountant. You know someone whose experience fits. Ask whether an introduction would help, check with both people, and connect them with useful context.
The value comes from the fit—and from following through.
Notice. Connect. Follow through.
Listen for what matters.
Ask about their work, their priorities, and the challenges they’re trying to solve.
Make the next step relevant.
Offer help that fits the conversation. Ask permission before making an introduction.
Keep the promise.
Write it down. Make time. Complete the action you agreed to take.
Simple enough
to remember.
Practical enough to use.
The book gives these ideas a structure for real events and the conversations that follow.
TLC
Teeth. Listen. Connect.
Smile, ask useful questions, and listen for how you might help.
FLAG
Follow Through. Log. Allot Time. Give.
Turn a promise into a planned action.
EPSM
Exploring Possible Synergies Meeting.
A next conversation to learn more and explore where you can help each other.
“No rejection” describes a different approach to connection. People can still decline an invitation or choose another direction. Respecting that choice is part of building a good relationship.
Let’s give your audience
a better way to connect.
Tell us about your people, your event, and what you want them to take away.
Invite DavidThoughtful.
Helpful. Respectful.
Thoughtful
Listen for a goal or challenge and think of someone who could help.
Helpful
Explain a relevant benefit for both people. Make the reason for connecting clear.
Respectful
Ask first, give people a choice and follow through on the introduction.