Building Bridges: Help Others Shine

In the Soft Skills section of Solution Seekers, you will find a topic titled: Understand The Value In Others.

Being a connector is a big part of the value I provide others. Not only to my clients, but to my talented friends and colleagues.

To be a great connector, you must have a keen ability to recognize the value in others.

Take an interest in others — acknowledge their strengths, weaknesses, personality, demeanor, as well as their potential.

“The power of a great connector is the ability to place people in situations they don’t even realize they’re capable of shining.”

Here is a quick story to highlight:

Grace is a friend I met through the radio days. We both started in promotions on the street team. Eventually, our audio experience made us the audio team for all stations.

As I transitioned through many roles, ending up as the Marketing Assistant, she slowly moved into the Imaging Department (the people who record all the ads). Here she began learning how to produce engaging vocal deliveries.

One day, years after I left radio, a career coach I knew was looking to record a video course. Grace immediately came to mind as someone who could help with the ask.

This was Grace’s first vocal coaching session out of radio and it went great. Currently, they have worked on a couple of courses, videos for the website, and planning to work on an audiobook in the future.

Another friend was interested in recording a chapter of his book. Again, I connected him with Grace and arranged for them to use the W Hotel recording studio to do the session.

These were Grace’s first couple of freelance gigs on the side.

She has since left radio, as an employee at least.

Now they are a “client” and she makes way more money.

It took a few years to build but she carved out a full-time freelance career as a vocal coach and podcast editor. A fate that may not have happened if I didn’t recognize her potential and offer her a few key opportunities.

The life she created was her own doing. I don’t take credit for that.

And I never asked for any kind of kickbacks or finder’s fee.

It wasn’t about the money. I want to see my friends succeed and grow.

Being the conduit connecting two people together and watching their relationship blossom brings me a lot of joy, and it strengthens my relationships with both parties.

When it came time to record the audiobook for Solution Seekers, of course I went with Grace. I finally got to experience what she has to offer.

It completely transformed the performance. The recording would be dull and lifeless if it wasn’t for her coaching and pulling the energy out of me.

She has a gift.

And we recorded it at the W.

This project was a perfect example of pulling together resources from long-term, cultivated relationships to accomplish a goal.

I wasn’t asking for favors. I paid Grace what she deserved.

But the depth of our relationship was present during those sessions.

We have a rich history and long friendship. I could fully be myself around her and we worked together to create the best possible product.

It felt like a full-circle moment — Recording an audiobook about successful freelancing with someone I helped set on their own successful freelance journey.

And I just became another one of her clients to add to the roster.

Take interest in those around you.

See their gifts and offer opportunities to them that feel aligned.

And do it for it’s own sake.

Healthy relationships are built on respect and reciprocity. Spread the love when you can, and be excited to watch your friends grow.

Tune in next time as we discuss discernment and protecting your relationships.

With gratitude,

-Andrew Lane

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