When I was a young, hungry marketing graduate, I did what I had to do to survive and provide for my young family. Throw in a couple of decades of experiences, personalities, and business seasoning and you find yourself more selective when sourcing opportunities.
You just cannot separate personalities, style, and beliefs from seeking out paths of least resistance per project, business relationship, or any given venture. In other words, as we learn early in our career, don't expect to connect with everyone in your organization nor everyone in your target audience in any given marketplace.
Much like personal friendships, a critical key to making the most of business relationships is connecting with others with boundaries and expectations that fit your personality. Case in point, I know a fellow who has few boundaries, lives for today, and really connects with others who have faith in something much bigger than any of us. He's a self-starter who has never been a corporate ladder-climber, for sure. Thus, those who like formal processes and org charts just don't get him. Everyday is a different day and I like it that way.
I have learned that we must get out there everyday in-person, and with the aid of modern technology, to promote what is right with our personal and business missions. Being hesitant or even afraid of the overlap between who you and others are and what each of you do just causes a waste of time, too many meetings, analysis paralysis, and missed opportunities. At least at my age, I believe we should strive daily to confidently deliver our "elevator pitch" per topic, biz opp, or personal observation and let others to the same. Take it all in and figure out who and where you can work to your best potential and productivity for your loved ones, organization, and greater community...in that order.
Just consider knocking down those boundaries and facades that limit real connections to real people, who will inevitably lead you to real opportunities for success all-around.
