You know EVERYONE!!!

I find it hilarious that people tell me that "You know everyone" when we go out. I never thought about it, until I moved to the east coast and had to meet new people and discover new places.

It wasn't until dinner with some friends that I realized that it isn't the environment that fosters this phenomena, but the interactions that you have with people that helps this to happen.

This isn't just a post on how you should treat people...just an observation of success

I learned a valuable lesson from a random stranger in moving to this city. his actions have helped me tremendously, and I hope that they provide some insight for you as well.

Every morning, I exit the subway in Times Square, and every morning, there is a man that stands at the top of the stairs and hands out a free newspaper. As sure as you can be about the sun rising, you can always hear him saying "metro, metro..".

He could choose to just stand there with the stack of papers with his arm extended, not say anything, and hope that people will have an interest in reading his paper and pick one up.

But he speaks with a confident, enthusiastic, smiling voice that permeates through crowds.

How does this relate to networking?

Think of a room of people that you have never met before...Room of strangers. Uncomfortable yet?

Take a piece of advice from Andre...Be enthusiastic and speak confidently to people. Think of things that make you happy, and fill yourself with thoughts that make you feel good.

To summarize, Find reasons and thoughts to be grateful for the life that you have. This will permeate from you, and people will literally be attracted to you.

Even though Andre has one of the most insignificant roles in this city, he still is an integral piece of the look and feel of one of the greatest cities in the world.

Everyone has a place and a role...When I asked Andre how he does it every day, his words hit me like a freight train of truth. "Man, I have to be here, why not think of things that make me smile?"

And there it is. Still in the room full of strangers? Think of something that makes you smile. Watch the people look at you when you start smiling. How curious do you find yourself when you see someone smiling of laughing?

Think pleasant thoughts and you will meet pleasant people. "You are who you attract" - John C. maxwell.

As simple as this all sounds... try it. If thinking about a funny thought doesn't work for you in a setting like this then don't do it again. But I would be willing to bet that Andre's advice will work for you.

And everyone knows what happens if you don't try this. Nothing...

Andre knows himself well enough to know what makes him happy. Can you say the same for yourself?

Choose to be happy, think about that when you meet someone new, and the true key to expanding your network?

Take the time to listen to other people and what makes them happy.

That is it.

If people understand that you are there to listen, that you are paying attention, and that you genuinely care about what makes them happy, they will love you.

High fives are shared every morning with Andre and I. Is it cheesy that I know the guy that hands out the paper on the street? Maybe. But when I am having a bad day, or something feels out of synch, rather than fumble my way through the busy streets wishing that the day is going to be a great one, I can high five a friend that has an ability to love the time that he spends doing his job.

Then take that pleasantness, go to work, and be pleasant to my co workers and clients.

Hope this helps.

Light up the darkness.

Best,