I live in a cul-de-sac. It’s a quiet road with only 30 odd houses but we rarely see each other. It’s a classic example of modern day life, everyone works and we all go about our busy lives, driving in and out of the road in our cars.
Today was different. Today we were snowed in and no-one was going anywhere. And with both children at home because of school closure, the best way to spend the morning was to get out there and build snowmen.
I phoned up two neighbours and invited their children to come and help us. Within 15 minutes of being out, one of the other neighbours came over with 2 bright red toboggans. We have never met each other in the 7 years of us living in this road and yet the snow brought us together, not only in a conversation, but with an exchange of her grown-up sons’ treasured possessions.
Another 30 minutes later and 2 other children come bounding out of their house to join in the fun. This family moved in about 6 months ago and we had never met. Within another 30 minutes I was sharing a cup of tea in their kitchen with both the mum and dad, being shown around their house.
Today I have had more conversations with my neighbours than I think I have had in the seven years of living on my street. And the only reason being was because we were spending time out in the street, being visible.
Why am I sharing my day with you? Running your own business can be a very lonely business. Stuck in front of your PC, returning emails and hiding in your home office. Not conducive to making you very visible.
To attract clients you need to be build relationships. And to build relationships you need to visible. Whether that is going out to network meetings, being active on Facebook or getting articles published in your industry’s magazines; visibility is crucial to attracting clients and building your business.
Where could you go and build a snowman today?
Great article Karen with a highly intriguing headline.Looks like you had fun.
Posted by: Gary Gorman | February 03, 2009 at 05:05 PM
Great article - and great snowmen too!
Posted by: Valerie Polding | February 04, 2009 at 07:05 PM
My poor snowmen are now looking very sad in the slush, now. One has toppled over already! Oh, well - at least I didn't let my 6YO put one in the freezer like he asked me to :)
Posted by: Karen | February 06, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Hi Karen
I couldn't agree with yuo more. I live in Canada but come to the UK several times a year for several weeks to hang out with my mum. We have spent the past 2 years fighting off a plan by Tesco to build a massive store at the back of a small lane of 14 houses where she lives.I now can't walk down the road without someone calling out to me and have become quite friendly with one couple who occasionnaly check on my mum (great to know given all the snow in Devon at the moment) but it underlines your point that relationships can be built even when circumstances seem least conducive.
Enjoy the snow - yeah I know we have piles of the stuff out here but its not the right kind - it doesn't stick together so forget making a snowman or having a snowball fight. There's nothing to beat snow in England. Gee I do envy you !! Seriously ! :-))
Posted by: Gillian | February 07, 2009 at 01:23 AM