Being "Here" vs. Being "Present"

What It Means to Be "Present" versus Just Being Here. 


When I first started grade school, we were introduced to some new rules to go with our new environment. One of the first things we learned was how to respond when the teacher took attendance. We were to say "present." A grunt, a "yeah" or simply "here" would not do. We had to acknowledge that we were present. It was our first foray into being positioned to learn, grow, and contribute.


Back then, I did not grasp the significance of being "present." Now, I do. To really connect with other people, you must be present, not just here. Someone who is present is engaged with the other people around them. They listen, they hear, and in their presence are prepared to connect. 

"A person is a person through other persons." Archbishop Desmond Tutu. 
This is the first line in the book Who's Got Your Back: The Breakthrough Program to Create Deep, Trusting Relationship That Create Success -- and Won't Let You Fail! by Keith Ferrazzi.

It's a long title, but crystal clear. To be successful, you need key relationships with people you trust and who trust you. Someone else must have your back, and your flank, covered.


Are you "present" enough, no matter where you are, for people to get to know you, and build trust? The 'being present' concept first crossed my path when I read Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, John Christensen, and Ken Blanchard.

In a nutshell, the writers describe how we must learn to leave home-front problems at home (or work-front problems at work) and be present where we are. Otherwise, we may miss the opportunity standing right in front of us. If you are a new B2C business owner, or simply have not read this book, I highly reccommend that you do.


The workers at the Pike Place Fish Market -- in Seattle, Washington -- learned how to be present. Have you embraced that concept in your business? Does someone have your back, so you can be successful? You need both, otherwise your journey could be long, tedious, and very lonely. 


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DMMI can help you to map, and plan and connect your way through business growth to success.

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