In business, the value of partnerships is undeniable, but it’s the quality of those relationships that truly drives results. Chapter 8 of Thriving in Chaos: Lessons Learned as a Corporate Marketer explores a powerful metaphor wrapped in the number 121: the magic and significance of one-to-one connections.
Have you ever noticed how certain signs or numbers repeatedly appear in your life? For Joanne Gore, 121 isn’t just a coincidence…it’s a constant reminder of the power of individual attention and connection. This concept translates seamlessly into the business world, where a simple one-to-one meeting can build trust, spark new ideas, and unlock growth opportunities.
In today’s fast-paced, digital-first environment, the human element can sometimes get lost. Yet, Joanne’s experience reminds us that nothing replaces the nuance and depth of face-to-face or even video conversations. The subtle cues (a smile, a nod, or a thoughtful pause) convey volumes that emails and phone calls cannot.
There is nothing more powerful than the simplicity of a smile.
— Joanne Gore, Thriving in Chaos: Lessons Learned as a Corporate Marketer
This simple truth embodies the heart of every one-to-one connection. In business, as in life, it’s the human moments that create lasting value.
Over the past eight weeks, the JGC team has truly lived that theme — engaging one-to-one with clients, partners, and industry peers at Dscoop EDGE Long Beach, Graphics Canada, She*t For Brains sessions, and multiple virtual events. On top of that, last month’s blog, Connected in May, celebrated the power of building meaningful relationships.
Whether sharing ideas on the show floor, diving deep during webinars, or sparking new conversations in LinkedIn Live sessions, we’ve seen firsthand how personal connections fuel collaboration and growth in this fast-evolving print industry.
In Chapter 8, Joanne recalls how during the peak of the pandemic, even video calls became powerful one-to-one moments, where seeing a client smile, nod, or react in real time made all the difference. That same energy has now carried back into the real world, whether it’s a handshake on the trade show floor or a spontaneous brainstorm after a panel session. These moments, virtual or in person, shape stronger partnerships and open doors to collaboration that goes far beyond the initial conversation.
And it doesn’t just stop at in-person events. On LinkedIn, Joanne often shares insights about the importance of authentic networking. A well-timed, genuine one-to-one message or comment can open doors and deepen relationships. These interactions are the building blocks of meaningful partnerships that go beyond transactions and foster mutual success.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep the momentum going with these upcoming opportunities to connect:
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As always, our focus remains on fostering genuine one-to-one connections which is the heart of thriving in any season.
🤸Joanne’s Tip for Better Business
Prioritize regular one-to-one meetings with your key partners and clients. Whether virtual or in-person, these focused conversations create space for trust, feedback, and co-creation. Set a cadence use these moments to listen actively.
This blog is brought to you by Chapter 8 of Thriving in Chaos: Lessons Learned as a Corporate Marketer, available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.