One of the most effective ways to create new opportunities is to meet new people.
Meet people and keep in touch because you never know what could pop up later.
If you don't know people they can't help you.
If you don't know people you can't help them.
I meet as many people as I can. It doesn't matter who they are or where they are from.
Don't expect anything from the people you meet. Just enjoy meeting them and enjoying the diversity of conversation. But, sometimes opportunities arise that wouldn't have been available unless you had met the right person.
Sometimes an opportunity arises right away. Sometimes it is ten years later.
As an example, Lee Sheldon from the United Kingdom makes a brief appearance on this episode of Creating Disney Magic. Lee explains how him reaching out to me led to us teaming up to do a live event in London.
I first met Jody Maberry when he asked me to be a guest on his Park Leaders podcast. Back then, I didn't even know what a podcast was. And now we have published more than 200 episodes of Creating Disney Magic. Who knew that would happen? You never know what opportunities arise when you meet new people.
Our partnership with Magical Vacation Planner came about because two things happened. First, I met Jamie Eubanks, the founder of the company. Second, we kept in touch.
One of the ways I meet new people, is I make myself available. I'm not shy about telling people I am at Starbucks every morning. People often show up there to meet me. My phone number was in one of my books. I encouraged people to call me.