Over the past week, I’ve been reading Give to Grow: Invest in Relationships to Build Your Business and Your Career by Mo Bunnell, and I have to say—it’s quickly become a favorite among our team at Covve. This book completely absorbs you and really challenges the way you think about success.
Give to Grow is more than a business guide—it’s a transformation of mindset. Mo Bunnell shows how professionals can build a growth mentality that not only helps them deliver great work but also win new business consistently.
What really struck me is Mo’s explanation of two mindsets that professionals need: Doing the Work and Winning the Work.
They seem like they would go hand in hand, but Mo explains how they require very different approaches.
Doing the Work vs. Winning the Work
Doing the Work is all about certainty. When you’re focused on the delivery, it’s about hitting deadlines, staying on budget, and making sure everything is clear and reliable. You’re working within a structured framework, providing solutions that meet expectations.
On the other hand, Winning the Work involves possibility. It’s not about having all the answers from the start. Instead, it’s about guiding the client through options, sparking their curiosity, and showing them why you’re the best fit. It’s much more fluid, focusing on potential rather than predictability.
Practical Examples
Mo’s book shows how these mindsets play out in real life. For example:
When you’re Doing the Work, you’ll often send long, detailed emails to provide clarity. But when Winning the Work, it’s more effective to keep communication short and focused on how you can help, rather than overwhelming the client with information.
While Doing the Work means having the right answers, Winning the Work is about asking the right questions. It’s about understanding what the client really needs and opening up a conversation that leads to collaboration.
In delivery, we might walk into a meeting with a polished presentation, ready to explain everything. But in the early stages of winning business, walking in with a blank page, ready to engage the client in a dialogue, can be far more effective.
Mastering Both
The real challenge is knowing when to shift between these two modes. Many of us get stuck in delivery mode, especially when we’re under pressure. But Mo emphasizes that applying the same methods used to deliver great work doesn’t always lead to winning more of it.
The real key is mastering both mindsets.
By knowing when to offer certainty and when to explore possibilities, you become more than just a service provider—you become a trusted partner. This balance is what truly leads to growth.
Does any of the above resonate with your career or business growth efforts? We’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected], and don’t forget to check out Give to Grow
So, you’ve got this killer business idea. You’ve done your homework, written a solid business plan, secured funding, and maybe even built a prototype. But somehow, things aren’t taking off as you expected. You’re stuck in neutral, pressing the gas, but the car just isn’t moving forward. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: having a great idea and the means to bring it to life is just the start. The real magic happens when you cultivate relationships and get into the right circles within your industry. Building a network isn’t just a “nice-to-have”; it’s the engine that powers your journey from a good idea to a thriving business.
Why Your Network Matters More Than You Think
Building relationships, or cultivating connections, is more than just a box to check; it’s a strategic imperative that can define the success or failure of your business. It’s the difference between a good idea that goes nowhere and a thriving enterprise that scales. Industry leaders consistently emphasize the value of connections in driving business growth and innovation.
For example, Lori Beer, the Chief Information Officer at JPMorgan Chase, credits much of her success to her ability to master collaborative relationships, both inside and outside her company. She stresses that without building and nurturing these relationships, businesses cannot produce the outcomes needed to win customers’ loyalty and trust. Her experience shows that connections with the right people are crucial for gaining insight, support, and even navigating tough situations.
Following this line of thought, relationship-building is pivotal in forging strategic alliances that open doors to new opportunities. According to a survey by the Harvard Business Review, 65% of business leaders acknowledge that successful partnerships are essential for growth.
Those who excel in stakeholder management, networking, and maintaining strong interpersonal skills are more likely to establish these valuable alliances, which can significantly expand their business reach.
Another compelling example comes from research on customer-centricity: 73% of consumers reported that a positive experience significantly influences their brand loyalty. This indicates that the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with customers is just as crucial as building connections with industry peers.
A focus on empathy, listening, and genuine communication not only helps in retaining customers but also fosters a culture of trust and collaboration, both of which are essential for long-term business success
Overcoming Common Relationship-Building Fears
You might be thinking, “But I’m an introvert,” or “I hate small talk.” Guess what? You’re not alone. Most people feel awkward about networking at first. Here’s how to get over it:
Stay Curious: Focus on learning about others rather than worrying about what to say. Curiosity naturally leads to engaging conversations.
Set Small Goals: Aim to have one meaningful conversation at each event or connect with a few new people weekly. Small, consistent efforts add up over time.
Practice Regularly: Engage in less intimidating settings to build your confidence gradually. The more you practice, the easier it gets.
Use Tools: Use apps like Covve to help maintain relationships with note-taking, ice-breaker prompts, and tailored news feeds. Gentle reminders from these tools can prompt you to reconnect, call, or message.
How to Start Building Those Relationships
Relationship-building doesn’t have to be awkward or feel like a chore. Here are some practical, low-pressure ways to start:
Show Up Where It Matters: Attend key events and engage genuinely with people there. Your goal is to build meaningful connections, not just pitch your idea.
Join Online Communities: Participate in relevant online groups and forums where industry professionals are active. Share valuable insights and establish your presence as a contributor.
Leverage Existing Connections: Use your current network to find new contacts and ask for introductions. Even small connections can lead to significant opportunities.
Give Before You Get: Offer help or valuable resources to others before asking for something in return. People remember those who provide value first.
Be Authentic and Follow Up: Be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for. Always follow up after meetings to keep the relationship alive.
Remember, Business Is Human
At its core, business is about people. No matter how fantastic your idea is, it’s people who will help you bring it to life. By cultivating meaningful relationships, you’re not just building a network; you’re building a support system, a feedback loop, and a foundation for long-term success.
So, stop hiding behind your laptop, step away from your spreadsheets, and start reaching out. Your idea deserves a chance to thrive, but it can’t do it alone. Remember, it’s not just about what you know or what you have; it’s about who you know — and who knows you.
Give Covve a try for free. If you’re not quite ready, subscribe to The Networker, our bi-weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on connection insights and tips.
Unfortunately, there’s nothing new to feeling like we’re juggling multiple meetings, exchanging countless business cards, and then weeks later trying to remember who was in finance, who was a coach, and who might be your next big client. Traditional business cards have been the go-to for years, but they’re far from perfect. They get lost, damaged, or buried under piles of paperwork, and by the time you need to follow up, the connection feels more like a distant memory.
The truth is, relying on paper business cards can lead to missed opportunities. When they’re forgotten or misplaced, it’s not just a piece of paper lost—it’s a potential relationship. And in a world where connections drive business, that’s a cost you can’t afford.
For decades, business cards have served as the foundation of professional connections. Paper cards are easy to lose, lack real-time updates, and often fail to leave a lasting impression.
How often have you found yourself rifling through a stack of cards from a conference, trying to remember who each one belonged to? Traditional cards provide only a brief moment of interaction, and after that, they become just another piece of clutter.
Why Digital Business Cards Are the Solution
Digital business cards offer a practical and efficient way to build and maintain connections. Always available and easy to share, they ensure you never run out or deal with outdated information. With a simple tap or scan, your contact details are instantly exchanged, streamlining the process.
Key features include:
Edit your details anytime through the app, ensuring real-time accuracy
Share via a link online or in person with just a tap
Capture the recipient’s details and connect automatically
Add your digital card to your Zoom background for virtual meetings
These features simplify the way you share and receive information, creating a more organized and efficient approach to building and managing connections. With real-time tracking and automatic exchange of details, you can focus on building relationships rather than worrying about lost contacts or missed opportunities.
Make a Lasting Impression
First impressions are crucial in business, and Covve helps you make one that sticks. Whether you prefer a sleek matte design or a polished metal finish, Covve’s digital business cards are fully customizable, reflecting your professional identity and ensuring that you stand out from the crowd. In a sea of paper business cards, digital business cards are modern, memorable, and designed to leave an impression.
In sales and business, your time is valuable. Covve’s digital business card solution saves you time by capturing essential details automatically, letting you focus on strategy and relationship-building. From instant contact exchanges to real-time tracking, Covve empowers you to make memorable connections.
So next time you’re at a conference or business meeting, don’t just exchange another paper card. Share your Covve digital business card, capture their details instantly, and let Covve handle the rest. It’s time to stop losing deals over forgotten details and start building connections that count.
Ready to make memorable first impressions and make meaningful connections? Get in touch at [email protected].
How small interactions define collective experiences
We’ve all been there—standing in a room full of people, feeling disconnected despite being surrounded by others. Maybe it’s at a conference, a social event, or even at the movies. The actions people take, the words they speak, and the connections they form can feel so foreign. This is because everyone in that room is experiencing it differently.
We carry our histories with us—our life experiences shape how we think, how we feel, and how we interpret the world. For some, this can create a feeling of alienation, especially if their experiences differ greatly from the majority. The way they interpret a situation or respond to a conversation may not align with others around them.
On the flip side, there is always room to find common ground through small interactions. We can see parts of ourselves reflected in the stories, emotions, and expressions of others. They’ve had similar life experiences but might bring a different perspective. Both cases reveal a truth: every person in the room offers a unique lens through which they view the world, and through this diversity, there’s so much we can learn from one another.
Learning from One Another
Even in a room full of strangers, there’s bound to be at least one person whose feelings, thoughts, or experiences resonate with yours. It could be the person sitting next to you, the one sharing a laugh across the room, or someone who mirrors your silent observation of it all.
These are the people you’re most likely to form a meaningful, lasting relationship with.
Finding these connections isn’t always easy, especially when you feel disconnected from the majority. But, as research shows, there are ways to bridge this gap.
The Science of Connection
Professor Robin Dunbar, a renowned anthropologist, has explored the intricacies of human connection extensively. He identified seven pillars that often form the foundation of our bonds: language, music, humor, hobbies, origins, values, and career trajectory. According to Dunbar, these elements help us identify the people we can better connect with, even in a room full of strangers.
Take music, for example. A shared love for a particular genre or artist can spark a conversation that flows naturally, breaking the ice and easing the tension of unfamiliarity. Humor works in a similar way—shared jokes or an understanding of the same kind of comedy can create an instant bond. Values, such as beliefs or ethical principles, provide a deeper foundation for long-term relationships.
These seven pillars act like magnets, drawing people toward one another. By focusing on what we have in common, we can find connection even in situations where we initially feel disconnected. And while the room may be full, these small interactions define our collective experience, shaping how we remember that moment in time.
A Tool for the Digital Age
Of course, in today’s bustling world, it’s not always easy to keep track of all our connections. This is where personal CRMs, like Covve, come into play. Think of them as your co-pilot in relationship building—a digital assistant that helps keep your connections organized and your notes on them up-to-date. You can track when you last spoke to someone, what you talked about, and even set reminders to reach out, helping nurture those relationships over time.
Keeping your relationships organized is especially powerful when you’re looking to reconnect or deepen a bond with someone you felt a genuine connection with in a crowded room. They’re intended to empower you to be proactive in your relationship-building efforts and make the most of every interaction, no matter how small.
Embrace the Opportunity
So, the next time you find yourself feeling alone in a room full of people, remember that everyone else might be feeling a little bit of the same. It’s in those small, authentic interactions—where you share a laugh, discover a common interest, or simply exchange a smile—that the seeds of connection are sown.
Be curious, ask questions, and take a genuine interest in others. You might be surprised to find that, in a room full of people, you’re not as disconnected as you once thought. And who knows? You might just walk away with a new friend or a lifelong connection.
Give Covve a try for free. If you’re not quite ready, subscribe to The Networker, our bi-weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on connection insights and tips.
Conflict is often seen as something to avoid—a disruptive force that threatens harmony in our personal and professional lives. However, recent research and expert insights reveal that when managed thoughtfully, conflict can be a powerful catalyst for innovation, stronger relationships, and personal growth.
Understanding Why Conflicts Arise
To harness the positive aspects of conflict, it’s essential to understand its root causes. Researchers Benjamin Laker and Vijay Pereira conducted a comprehensive study involving over 1,000 first-time managers and their teams across 76 global companies.
Their findings showed that an overwhelming 91% of workplace conflicts stem from four primary triggers: differences in communication styles (39%), unclear expectations (22%), unreasonable time constraints (16%), and opaque performance standards (14%). Recognizing these common sources of friction can help individuals and organizations address issues proactively, preventing minor disagreements from escalating into major disputes.
The Role of Emotions in Triggering a Conflict
Emotions play a pivotal role in how conflicts unfold and resolve. Psychologist Elizabeth Dorrance Hall points out that when we’re angry or “fired up,” we often operate on what Walter Mischel refers to as “hot emotions.”
According to Mischel’s 2006 research on self-regulation in conflict situations, these hot emotions make us irrational, reactive, and quick to respond—often leading to regrettable actions or words. Conversely, when we allow ourselves time to cool down, we engage our rational minds, becoming calm and level-headed. This shift enables us to delve deeper into the underlying reasons for the conflict, addressing core issues rather than surface symptoms.
By understanding and managing our emotional responses, we can transform conflicts from destructive confrontations into opportunities for meaningful dialogue and problem-solving. It’s about moving from immediate, emotion-driven reactions to thoughtful, purpose-driven responses.
Reevaluating the Nature of Conflict
So is an occasional conflict all that bad? Well, contrary to popular belief, conflict isn’t inherently negative. In her Harvard Business Review article “Why We Should Be Disagreeing More at Work,” Amy Gallo explores how well-managed disagreements can lead to significant positive outcomes. She recounts a personal experience where avoiding an open disagreement with a client led to frustration and professional setbacks. This avoidance, while seemingly easier in the moment, resulted in missed opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
Gallo emphasizes that embracing conflict can lead to several key benefits:
Enhanced Innovation and Work Outcomes: Disagreements introduce creative tension that challenges existing ideas and promotes critical thinking. Organizational psychologist Liane Davey notes that conflict encourages teams to synthesize diverse perspectives, which is essential for innovation and effective risk management. By openly debating different viewpoints, teams can develop more robust and inventive solutions.
Fostering Personal and Professional Growth: Engaging in constructive conflict pushes individuals to reflect on alternative perspectives, incorporate feedback, and adapt to new ideas. This process enhances critical thinking skills and makes both managers and employees more effective in their roles. Moreover, effective conflict management is linked to higher job satisfaction, as people feel more engaged and fulfilled when they can express dissent and contribute meaningfully.
Strengthening Relationships and Promoting Diversity: Addressing disagreements directly and respectfully deepens understanding and trust among colleagues. It creates a culture where diverse ideas are welcomed and explored, allowing unique perspectives to flourish. This not only improves team dynamics but also leads to more comprehensive and innovative outcomes by harnessing the full spectrum of team members’ insights.
Transforming Conflict into Opportunity
To leverage the positive aspects of conflict, it’s crucial to handle disagreements skillfully. Business leader Joe Moglia offers practical strategies for disagreeing effectively:
Communicate Respectfully and Directly: Recognize the validity of others’ viewpoints and approach conversations without belittling attitudes. Clearly articulate your position to ensure your perspective is understood, reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings. This respectful, direct communication fosters an environment of trust and openness.
Foster Collaboration and Manage Egos: Encourage a culture where all team members feel their opinions are valued. By focusing on collective goals rather than individual pride, you prevent egos from derailing productive conversations. This collaborative approach leads to better outcomes and strengthens team cohesion, as everyone works toward shared objectives.
Address Conflicts Appropriately: Deal with disagreements in suitable settings, such as handling sensitive issues privately to maintain dignity and promote honest dialogue. Keeping the overarching objectives in mind ensures that emotions don’t cloud judgment or divert the conversation from productive paths. By staying goal-oriented, teams can navigate disagreements without losing sight of what truly matters.
Embracing Conflict for Growth
By reframing our perception of conflict, we can see it not as a threat but as an opportunity for improvement. Embracing disagreements allows us to challenge ideas constructively, leading to innovation and better decision-making. It also fosters an environment where continuous learning and adaptability are valued.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself in a disagreement, consider it a chance to deepen your understanding, build stronger relationships, and contribute to a more dynamic and inclusive environment!
At the recent Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals hosted by Covve and the Connection Crew, a spotlight shined on Sondra Norris, a seasoned culture consultant, coach, and researcher. With over three decades of experience working with industry giants like Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Estée Lauder, Sondra has dedicated her career to transforming workplace dynamics through trust and empathy.
She believes that authentic leadership begins with self-awareness, and her work aims to foster environments where individuals can connect meaningfully and perform at their best.
During the workshop, Sondra led participants through an engaging exercise titled Breaking and Reconstructing Your Belief System. This activity encouraged attendees to dive deep into their own limiting beliefs—the internal narratives that often hold them back from personal and professional growth. With her calm demeanor and insightful prompts, Sondra guided the group on a journey of reflection and transformation.
Breaking the Status Quo
The activity began with Sondra creating a serene and reflective environment. She emphasized the importance of slowing down and allowing oneself to think beyond surface-level limitations. “We all carry beliefs that influence our decisions, relationships, and successes,” she shared. “But how often do we pause to question them?”
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the exercise that you can try at home:
Set the Stage for Reflection
Start by finding a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Imagine yourself in a place that brings you peace—a beach at sunset, a quiet forest, or even your favorite room at home. Feel the calmness wash over you.
Ask the Key Question
Once you’re settled, reflect on this question:
“Which belief am I choosing to hold onto that is preventing me from getting the result I want?”
Take your time to let the question resonate. What comes to mind? Write down the first thoughts or feelings that surface.
Pair and Share
If you’re doing this exercise with someone else, take turns sharing your reflections. The key is to listen without judgment. Sondra stressed the importance of “holding space”—being present and supportive without offering solutions or advice. This allows the speaker to fully explore their belief without fear of being corrected or misunderstood.
Express Gratitude
After each person has shared, acknowledge the courage it took to open up. Offer a simple “Thank you” for their vulnerability and honesty. Even if you’re doing this solo, take a moment to thank yourself for the introspection.
Reframe or Release
Now, consider how you can reframe this belief. Could you see it from a different perspective? What would happen if you chose to let it go entirely? Imagine how that shift could change your approach to the goals or relationships it’s been affecting.
Building Bridges, Not Walls
Sondra’s session at the Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals was a powerful reminder that true connection, whether in the workplace or in personal life, starts with understanding the stories we tell ourselves. By breaking down these stories and reconstructing them with intention, we create room for growth, empathy, and genuine relationships.
“Too often, we look outward for change,” Sondra noted, “when the real transformation starts inside.”
If you’d like to try this activity at home, grab a journal, find a quiet spot, and take a deep dive into the beliefs that shape your world. Who knows what might emerge when you let go of what’s holding you back?
With leaders like Sondra guiding these reflective exercises, our Masterclasses here at Covve continue to leave a lasting impact—one belief at a time.
Your relationships need you to hold yourself accountable
We’ve all been there. You meet someone, hit it off, and then… silence. Days turn into weeks, and before you know it, you’ve missed their birthday or completely forgot about a catch-up coffee you planned. It happens more often than we like to admit, and yet, we wonder why some of our relationships feel distant or disconnected.
It’s about thoughtfulness—how much care you’re putting into maintaining your connections. If people don’t trust you, it’s usually because they don’t feel like they’re seen or valued. The truth? Relationships need more than sporadic attention. They need consistent thoughtfulness, and that means holding yourself accountable.
Accountability and Connection
We love to talk about how relationships are built on trust, but how many of us actually practice it? Trust doesn’t grow on the occasional text or obligatory LinkedIn check-in. Trust comes from showing up, remembering details, and keeping promises. Sometimes things come up and cause us to cancel last minute commitments and we promise to make it up to them. It’s important to follow through with all of the above to gain trust.
Covve’s personal CRM (pCRM) steps in here to help make sure the people in your life feel like a priority. Whether it’s a nudge to reconnect with an old friend or a reminder of your coworker’s big meeting next week, the pCRM keeps your attention where it matters. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being present.
Why Thoughtfulness Matters
Think about your best relationships. Chances are, they didn’t grow just because you shared the same workspace or had a few good conversations. They grew because there was care, and that care was shown consistently. Thoughtfulness means more than remembering birthdays or responding to texts within five minutes. It’s about making an effort to keep up with what’s going on in someone else’s life, even when they’re not right in front of you.
Covve’s pCRM acts like your personal reminder that thoughtfulness is a habit, not a one-time gesture. With a tool like this, it becomes easy to act intentionally and at the right time. Whether it’s catching up after that long-overdue lunch or keeping track of your friend’s new hobby, you show them that they’re important to you.
The Trust Gap
So, why don’t people trust you? It’s not because you’re unreliable on purpose. The reality is we often get caught up in our own lives and lose track of the people who matter. Trust isn’t lost in big, dramatic moments. It’s chipped away by the little, unnoticed absences.
Building habits of connection takes time, but the payback is solid, lasting trust. Covve’s pCRM can help close that gap. It reminds you that trust needs maintenance. It can be the small tap on your shoulder when you’ve let things slide for too long.
Start small. You don’t need to become a relationship guru overnight. But if you want people to trust you, you need to show that you’re thinking about them—regularly. It’s about consistency over perfection.
With a pCRM, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed. It takes the guesswork out of managing your relationships. You’ll never have to wonder if it’s been too long since you last spoke or worry about missing out on important life events. You’ll be proactive, and that’s where the magic happens.
Ready to Be More Thoughtful?
Accountability isn’t about guilt-tripping yourself or feeling bad for what you haven’t done. It’s about owning up and deciding to do better. Covve’s pCRM makes sure you’re on track, and that the people in your life feel appreciated. Thoughtfulness is a skill—one that’s built through action, not intention.
The next time someone doesn’t trust you, reflect on whether you’ve really been there for them. And if you haven’t, there’s no better time to start changing that. Thoughtfulness, with a little help from Covve, can help you hold yourself accountable and build the trust you’re missing.
Give Covve a try for free. If you’re not quite ready, subscribe to The Networker, our bi-weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on connection insights and tips.
The Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals brought together a unique mix of people passionate about making the world a little more connected. Among the standout voices at the event was Devin Keane, the co-founder and COO of Gratitude Plus, a social app that’s helping people cultivate meaningful relationships through daily moments of appreciation. Devin’s mission is simple: reduce loneliness and build connections that last.
But what sets Devin apart is his hands-on approach. In addition to leading the Gratitude Plus team, he writes the popular “Build Better” newsletter, filled with practical tips on deepening connections in both personal and professional settings.
And when he’s not sharing his insights through the app or his writing, you might find him on the soccer field, organizing casual games for tech professionals to bond over the beautiful game. For Devin, connection isn’t a grand gesture—it’s a series of small, joyful moments.
Sharing Small Moments of Joy
At the workshop, Devin took participants on a heartwarming journey with his activity, Growing Gratitude: Sharing Small Moments of Joy. The goal was to show just how powerful it can be to take a step back, reflect, and share what we’re grateful for with the people in our lives. It was a simple exercise, but the impact was palpable.
Here’s how it went down and how you can try it at home:
Start with a Moment of Reflection
Devin asked everyone to take a deep breath and think of a recent moment that made them feel happy, excited, or just grateful. “It doesn’t have to be anything huge,” he explained. “Think of the small things. Maybe it was a coffee break with a colleague, or a quick phone call with a friend. It’s these tiny, positive interactions that shape our lives.”
Pair Up and Share
Once participants had their moments in mind, they paired up and took turns sharing their experiences. Each person had one minute to describe the moment and the person they shared it with. It was incredible to see how quickly the energy in the room shifted as people spoke. Smiles grew wider, shoulders relaxed, and laughter filled the space.
Reflect and Mirror Back
The listener’s role was just as important. After each story, they took a minute to reflect on what they noticed. Was there a change in the speaker’s voice? Did their expression light up when describing the moment? This mirroring exercise helped both partners appreciate how much joy these small experiences truly brought.
Send a Note of Gratitude
To wrap up the exercise, Devin encouraged everyone to take out their phones and send a quick text or voice note to the person they mentioned, letting them know how much that shared moment meant. It was a simple action, but it created an immediate ripple of positivity. “It’s like planting a seed,” Devin said. “The more we share gratitude, the more it grows.”
Turning Small Moments into Big Changes
Devin’s activity left a lasting impression on everyone who participated. It wasn’t just about saying “thank you.” It was about truly noticing and appreciating the everyday interactions that often go unnoticed. For Devin, these are the building blocks of stronger relationships.
“I believe connection is built one small moment at a time,” Devin shared during the workshop. “By sharing those moments, we make the connection stronger and more resilient.”
If you want to give this activity a try, think of someone who made you smile recently and let them know. Send a text, make a call, or even write them a note. You might be surprised at how such a simple gesture can make a big difference.
The Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals proved once again that cultivating meaningful relationships doesn’t have to be complicated. With leaders like Devin showing us the way, building a more connected world feels not only possible but also joyful.
Events like trade shows can be chaotic. You step into the venue, badge in hand, surrounded by bustling booths and enthusiastic conversations. Your main objective? To collect as many quality leads as possible and secure potential business for your company. But, are you truly prepared to make the most of every interaction? Or do you find yourself grappling with a pile of crumpled business cards and half-remembered names once you leave?
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The typical trade show experience often feels like a marathon of networking with little follow-up. We go in, talk to dozens of people on behalf of our teams, only to lose track of who we met and what we discussed. The end result? Missed opportunities that could have turned into long-lasting partnerships for your company.
The Challenges of Trade Show Networking
The reality is that even the best of us can get lost in the shuffle. Attending a trade show can be a big investment—not just in terms of ticket or sponsorship fees, but also in resources, time, and energy. Every conversation, every handshake, is a potential lead. But when things move fast, how do you ensure you’re keeping up?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed:
Fumbling for Cards: You collect business cards, but once the event is over, you can’t quite remember who belongs to which card. Even worse, it’s your responsibility to report back to your team and share those leads.
Juggling Conversations: You have five chats lined up back-to-back, and only a few minutes with each person. How do you keep track of everyone and remember your company’s priorities?
Losing Leads in the Follow-up: You return to the office, only to realize that half of the cards have gone missing, and the notes you took no longer make sense. Now, following up with potential leads feels like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle.
The hard truth is that these lapses are not just inconveniences—they’re lost opportunities. Every lead that slips through the cracks is a missed relationship that could have driven business forward. And at a trade show, where everyone is looking to connect, that’s a big loss not just for you, but for your entire company.
Streamlining the Chaos with Covve
The good news is that there’s a way to avoid this pitfall entirely. It’s all about having the right tools to support your networking game—tools that can empower your team to capture every lead with just a snap and ensure nothing gets lost in the shuffle.
This is where Covve steps in to streamline your company’s relationship-building process. With Covve Business Card Scanner, you can forget about manual data entry, errors, wasted time, and lost leads. Whether you’re a sales professional at a booth or attending the event as a team,
Covve helps you capture leads efficiently and effectively:
Fast, Accurate Scanning: Covve’s AI-powered card scanner digitizes business cards with 96% accuracy in just 2 seconds. That means you and your team can capture lead details on the go without slowing down conversations or losing time.
Mobile Accessibility: Store all your contacts safely on your phone and access them anytime. You’ll never lose a single card, and your leads will always be with you, right in your pocket or shared with your entire team.
Smart Organization: Group your contacts based on the event where you met or categorize them according to the type of conversation. Covve also allows you to add notes for each interaction, so your follow-up is personal and relevant.
Privacy and Professionalism: Covve Business Card Scanner is made in Europe and fully GDPR-compliant, so you never have to worry about privacy issues. You can integrate with Salesforce or any other platform using Zapier, making sure you and your team have access to new leads for timely follow-ups.
With Covve by your side, the days of scrambling through business cards and losing valuable leads are over. Every connection is stored, categorized, and ready for you or your team to follow up with confidence.
Your Networking Advantage
With a lead management tool that complements your event strategy, your company will be better prepared to maximize every opportunity. No more stressing over stacks of business cards or losing track of critical contacts. Instead, you’ll leave every event with an organized database of leads—categorized, annotated, and shared across your team, ready for follow-up.
So, before your next trade show or industry gathering, ask yourself: Are you prepared to capture every opportunity? With Covve Business Card Scanner, your company can ensure that no lead goes unnoticed, and every connection made has a fighting chance to grow into something more, maximizing your company’s revenue growth potential.
Because, at the end of the day, the best way to avoid the missed opportunity trap is to make sure you and your team are equipped to handle every single one—efficiently and effectively.
Ready to capture more leads and maximize revenue? Get in touch at [email protected].
You’ve got a killer sales strategy, but here’s the thing—no matter how solid it is, if it’s not reaching the right people, it’s like casting a net in a dry lake. Zero bites. Why? Because the key to effective sales isn’t just about having a polished pitch or a savvy closing technique. It’s about knowing who you’re pitching to.
So, who are the “right” people? Spoiler alert: it’s not as simple as “someone who wants to buy.” It’s more nuanced than that. The right people are those you have a real, meaningful connection with. The ones who see you as more than just a salesperson. They see you as a partner, a resource, and a trustworthy voice in your industry.
And that’s where relationship-building comes in. This part of the puzzle can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but it’s a matter of habit, making it easier and worthwhile in the long run.
To help you on your journey of creating more value for yourself and others, incorporate these five elements in your relationship building efforts, and have a look at how Covve can help you.
1. Start Conversations, Not Sales Pitches
Everyone’s busy—no one wants to be sold to. But people love to talk. They want to share their pain points, swap stories, and get to know the person behind the company. So forget the elevator pitch and start with a genuine conversation. Build rapport by learning what makes them tick. What are their goals? What are they struggling with? This creates a foundation of trust before you even bring up what you’re offering.
Covve makes it easy to track these details. With its personal CRM, you can keep tabs on those little nuggets of information—like someone’s recent promotion or their interest in sustainability—that will set you apart as someone who actually listens.
2. Break Down Barriers, One Introduction at a Time
Networking events can feel like speed dating. But instead of focusing on how many business cards you can collect, focus on how many real connections you can make. Be the one who introduces people to each other. When you’re the connector, you become invaluable. People see you as someone who adds value before even making a sale.
With Covve, you’ll know who’s already in your network that might be the perfect matchmaker for a new connection. Imagine introducing someone you met last week to someone you met a year ago because you remembered a shared interest or business challenge. That’s the magic of making networking about people, not transactions.
3. Get Deep, Not Wide
It’s tempting to go broad with your sales outreach—after all, more calls or emails mean more opportunities, right? But there’s a trade-off. When you spread yourself too thin, your connections become shallow, and people notice. Instead, focus on cultivating deeper relationships with fewer prospects. Get to know your contacts on a more personal level. Learn about their challenges and provide value—even if it doesn’t directly benefit your bottom line.
Covve helps you keep track of these interactions, ensuring that no detail gets lost in the shuffle. With its ability to log calls and notes, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips, so when you do reach out, it’s with personalized, relevant touchpoints.
4. Leverage Your Existing Network
Sometimes the right people are already within your circle—you just haven’t made the connection yet. Look at your existing contacts. Have you stayed in touch? Are you nurturing those relationships? Warm leads—those who already know and trust you—are gold mines.
Reaching out with a friendly update or congratulations on their recent achievement keeps you top of mind. They may not need your product today, but they’ll think of you first when they do.
Covve’s smart reminders ensure you never miss an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen these ties. And with the personalized news feed, you’ll always have an easy way to break the ice by sharing a relevant article or congratulating them on a newsworthy milestone.
5. Listen and Learn
The best salespeople aren’t always talking—they’re listening. Get curious about your contacts. Ask thoughtful questions. Dig into the “why” behind their needs. What’s driving their interest? What problems are they looking to solve? When people feel heard, they’re more likely to trust and respect you.
Covve’s insights and contact management help you stay organized, so you’re never scrambling to remember who said what. The more you know about your network, the better positioned you are to offer solutions that actually matter. Just as Mo Bunnell, business development expert stated, “a great deal may make your year, but a great relationship can make your entire career.”
Whether it’s a reminder to reach out or a tailored news update that gives you an easy way to start a conversation, Covve makes it simple to stay engaged. So stop selling yourself short. Focus on the people first. Because when you know who you’re selling to, selling gets a whole lot easier.
Give Covve a try for free. If you’re not quite ready, subscribe to The Networker, our bi-weekly newsletter, to stay up to date on connection insights and tips.
