Steven Orvis

The Power of Appreciation in Networking

TL;DR

* Appreciation is universal: Everyone values praise and gratitude, even those "above" you.
* Start with genuine feedback: Compliment a leader’s work or insights to initiate contact.
* Stand out: Be a "complementor," not a complainer—leaders notice positivity.
* Build relationships: Consistent appreciation can eventually help you connect with the right person.
* Motivate others: Your feedback can inspire leaders to continue their impactful work.


Networking, especially with individuals who seem "out of reach," can feel daunting. What can you offer someone who already has so much? The answer is simple yet powerful: appreciation. Everyone, regardless of their status, values genuine praise and gratitude.

For example, if you admire a business leader’s social media post that resonated with you, use that as a starting point. Send them a thoughtful message highlighting how their insights helped you. This not only makes them feel valued but also opens the door for potential further interaction.

In organizations and leadership circles, feedback is often scarce, and when it does come, it’s usually from complainers. By being a "complementor," you stand out. Your positivity can motivate leaders to continue their impactful work while fostering a connection with you.

Over time, consistent appreciation can lead to meaningful relationships. While not every interaction will result in a deeper connection, your efforts will be noticed. Being someone who uplifts others is a trait people naturally gravitate toward, making you a valuable presence in any network.

So, the next time you’re unsure how to approach someone, remember: a little appreciation can go a long way.

7 months ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

The opposite of a complainer is a solution finder!

"[Carol] Dweck advises that the first step in the path of change is identifying when your thoughts take on a fixed framework. She suggested we learn our fixed mindset 'voice.' This voice appears in our thoughts during times of challenge, setbacks, or when facing criticism. If your thoughts revolve around fearing failure, risk, or blaming others rather than taking responsibility..."

Buy Then Build by Walker Deibel page 49

Also of interest: Carol Dweck wrote a book called Mindset: How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential.

10 months ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

Reading "Buy Then Build" by Walker Deibel

"According to Harvard Business School lecturer Shikhar Ghosh, even VC-funded startups- the ones that every MBA startup strives to attain-- have a 75 percent failure rate"

This explains why you hear angel investing is so hard. Also, "experts" fail a lot starting new businesses.

10 months ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

I'm reading the book "Buy Then Build" by Walker Deibel.

He points out that, on average, starting a business, the down payment for a house, or the down payment to buy a business are all about $65,000. Crazy thinking how starting a business "seems" cheaper. It's also encouraging that buying a business is in reach of a lot of people and starting a business that has a high chance to fail or a long grind period isn't the only way.

11 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Steven Orvis

"Every man is what he is, because of the dominating thoughts which he permits to occupy his mind. "

Think and grow rich page 51

This quote reminded me how people can choose their attitude to what life gives them, leading to their response. The other day, my 5 year old was tired and starting to melt down. I told him he needed to choose to control himself so he could do the thing he did not want so he could get the thing he wanted. I was surprised to see he did gain control of himself instead of letting his inner child rule.

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

"That is one of the tricks of opportunity. It has a sly habit of slipping in by the back door, and often it comes disguised in the form of misfortune, or temporary defeat. Perhaps that is why so many fail to recognize opportunity"

Think and Grow Rich page 19.

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

"Volume beats luck" ~ Alex Hormozi

I was listening to the podcast from BetterLife this morning with guest Marc Kuhn. Him and Brandon Turner where chatting about how rather than tell their kids they are good at such and such, but rather they like to affirm the practice and effort needed to be good at something.

abetterlife.transistor.fm/62

Failing again and again with thoughtful learning makes a difference. When I start deer hunting a new area the best way to learn to hunt the area is to just go walk and find out where you jump deer from then notice if you see a pattern of where you jump deer from and where they go. From there you can start to formulate what a good drive might look like. In a same way with anything in life experiment embrace failing and learn what you can for next time you try.

11 months ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

"...opportunities happen to those who have cash. "

Page 140 from Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits! by Greg Crabtree

In context, the author is talking about having a core capital target and how it might be tempting to pull the money out as a distribution. This reminded me of a business I recently looked at who the owner mentioned having gotten a great deal on multiple tractor trailer loads of materials for his business. He told me vendors know he buys a lot and he can get deals. Also, to Greg's point in his book, the business owner keeps what probably is an excess of core capital so that he is ready when opportunity comes!

1 year ago | [YT] | 0

Steven Orvis

Having a look at Flightory's RC Airplane's this morning. Made a quick table to compare options. I am considering giving one of their models a try. Have a look at my blog for the comparison:

www.stevenorvis.com/r/n56

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

Steven Orvis

Another good quote from "Simple numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!" By Greg Crabtree.

Page 78

"Business owners commonly understand that your taxable income in an S corporation or an LLC is not based on your distributions (except in rare circumstances); it is based on your share of the net profit of the business, regardless of whether you take distributions or not"

1 year ago | [YT] | 0