It’s Bali in May where the sun is shining and I am meeting with Putri, a colleague from the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI) for cocktails and conversation by the ocean.
We don’t know each other well, having met only briefly at the association’s international conference in 2025, yet I decided to reach out as she is a local Balinese, runs a colour consultancy in Denpasar and therefore we share like-minded interests. It was wonderful to connect with her and learn more about her life in Denpasar.
I was prompted to connect as another AICI colleague Eva Koeck Eripek from Austria had done the same when she visited the Gold Coast on her travels throughout Australia. I was very happy to show her a few sights of my city, get to know each other and develop our relationship.
One of the joys of travel is the people you encounter along the way.
It can be like that at home too. Getting out and about and connecting with others rather than being behind our desks all the time.
For the extroverted more social beings amongst us – me included – work from home is not always the best choice. Not being amongst other people even though you may still be connecting through Zoom or by phone, is just not the same and can prove to be isolating.
Building and maintaining business relationships with people and leveraging your networks are where many of your opportunities will come from, whether that is on a business or friendship level.
Business comes from people, through people and to people. Communication is what links us, and it is connection and collaboration with co-workers, clients, friends, family, neighbourhood, community and professional bodies that help to build rapport, belong and be in harmony with each other.
Deeper, one-one conversations are key to building relationships and potential collaborations. You need to discover creative and continuous ways to communicate and leverage your network and build relationships with clients, customers, prospects, industry personnel, suppliers, centres of influence and friends.
Meet ups online or in-person, coffee conversations, corporate networking or community service are initiatives you can participate in or lead for benefit to your industry, clients and your business.
I’ve met many interesting people, formed wonderful business relationships and opened myself up to new opportunities through being out and about and involved in work, industry or community events. No doubt this has been true for you too.
In this world of technology and AI, human connection is intensely important.
Learn more about communication and connection when you sign up for my free eBook, The Secret to Your Personal Brand Revolution. Get Your Free eBook Now!
Sue Currie is an image entrepreneur who guides and empowers business leaders and entrepreneurs to have “Spotlight Confidence”. She is passionate about helping professionals elevate their personal and professional brand through her speaking, coaching and training programs on Self Brand, Style and Speaking Skills, providing a multi-faceted approach to gain high transformation for her clients.
