photo via Feeling like a little love and relaxation is in order...want to join me? Smiles, gia
Connect
December 06, 2011
November 22, 2011
My fav part.
photo via This is what I love about the holidays....what about you? Smiles, gia
August 10, 2011
May 06, 2011
Beyond Hello...part 2 - The challenge
What if the next time you order a coffee or pizza, pick up some groceries or walk your dog... you encourage yourself to find out just a little bit more about the people you cross paths with every day? Are you up for a fun challenge this week? HECK YEAH!
Here's an easy checklist to help you start connecting right away...
#1. Smile & Eye Contact. Duh? Right? But seriously these 2 easy things really help to create a welcoming, friendly vibe.
#2. Say hello BEFORE you order or check out. ALWAYS make a personal connection first before you ask for what you need. This one is a big one for me..it really lets the other person know that you acknowledge they're human and that they're more than their job.
#3. Ask a question. Typically something that you're genuinely interested in.
Examples...Any fun plans this weekend? Did you do anything exciting this weekend? On your days off what fun things do you get to go do? Look forward to? Enjoy?
#4. Listen first. Respond second. This is where you can really connect. When you listen you show an interest in what the other person has to say. So many people don't get a chance to be heard. You can be that person even if it's only for a moment.
#5. Share something about you! They've offered something and now it's your turn.
Example: That's so cool you had a karate tournament last weekend! I've always wanted to check one out. I love kickboxing, that's my thing. Thanks so much for sharing have a fantastic rest of your shift!
#6 As Nike says so well....
It's that simple. Promise.
So you up for it? The challenge this week? To go beyond hello? I'm super excited to hear all about your stories & connections that start to happen for you...YEAH! Please share how it goes for you under the comments section of this post. Have a blast & happy connecting!
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Smiles, gia
May 05, 2011
Beyond Hello - part 1
I love connecting...and I mean Love it with a capital "L". In fact I don't just love it, I crave it.
I'm extremely passionate about getting to know the people in and around me in my daily life. By building relationships, networking, meeting new people, reaching out & digging deeper, my life feels richer, more exciting and never boring.
Let me ask you this...
Have you ever wondered what the barista who creates your delicious cappuccino everyday does after work hours? Or how about the grocery store clerk at your fav market? What does she do for fun? Is the pizza delivery guy a master scientist or BMX racer? One way to find out is to begin by creating a connection and I'm going to tell you how...
Hello is a perfect place to start but what if you asked just one more question beyond hello? What if you found out just a "little" bit more? What might happen if you shared a little piece of you? How might that add flavor to your day? Or perhaps a business connection or future friendship?
photo via
I'd like to share a fun and true story with you from a recent conversation that I had with Qui, one of the baristas at a local coffee shop hot spot. It went something like this...
Me: Hey there...how's it going? I'd love to order a mocha please...
Qui: Ok let me get that for you (starts making my coffee)
Me: Qui right? (If you don't know reading name tags help.. hint hint) How are you feeling today?
Qui: (kind of smiles cuz I use his name then replies) Tired.
Me: oh really? How come?
Qui: Had boring school last night.
Me: oh yeah, what are you studying?
Qui: Business (sounds super flat)
Me: Really? What do you want to do with that?
Qui: Move to LA (sounding much happier)
Me: Oh cool! I'm just curious...why do you need to have a business degree to move to LA?
Qui: I want to produce music videos and dance hip hop. (now really big smile)
photo via
Me: Awesome you're a hip hop dancer! I love to dance too! Not that I'm a professional or even close to it but I just love to learn and dance whenever I can. (connection) Why do you need a business degree for that?
Qui: I don't. I'm doing it to make my mom happy....(laughs) But I'm already doing it...making dance videos, someone hired us. :)
Me: They did? Sweet! I'd love to see the videos sometime.
Qui: Here...He reaches into his wallet and pulls out a business card with the name of the dance & production company on it and gives it to me with a shy but proud little smile.
Me: Thanks so much I can't wait to check it out!
Qui then hands me my coffee, I sit back down to work on my computer and peek at the website. WOW. They're good. Not just good but FANTASTIC! I get goosebumps and zip back over to the counter and say, "Hey Qui you are guys are Amazing! Thank you so much for sharing what your so passionate about with me. Can't wait to see what unfolds for you....keep me posted. "
Qui: You're welcome. (he says in a very humble voice)...see you next time.
I walk away super excited because not only did I get my yummy mocha, but I also made a deeper connection with a guy I see all the time. He became more than just the person who makes killer coffee he's now the guy who makes coffee, to pay for school so he can continue to work towards his dream of becoming a dancer / music video producer in LA. How frickin' cool is that!
In fact I was so excited for Qui and his dream that I shared his video with the guy sitting next to me....and now so you know that I'm not making all of this up I'm going to share one of his videos with you. Meet. Qui part of The Movement Lifestyle. So that's what I mean by connecting... by just asking one more question... beyond the hello & how are you. It's incredible how something so simple can add to your life. So today I want to encourage you to give it a shot. Not sure where to start or how to really connect?
No worries check back here tomorrow for part 2....The Challenge.
Smiles, gia
April 18, 2011
A few of my favs...
via pinterest Cozy Fire + Modern Touch = Magic
by Mademoiselle Mermaid Rainbow Stripes + Handmade = sigh.
via Carrie Lilly If I had 1 day left to live I think you might find me dancing...(There's a story behind this photo, I'll save it for another day! hee... hee...)
via Jessica of Vol25 Quotes + Positive Message = Brilliant
Happy Monday!
What are a few of your favorite things? Smiles, gia
