SHED A LITTLE LIGHT

 

As a cyclist, I have never really looked forward to the winter months. I’m fine with riding in cold weather (it’s all about the layers), but the real challenge comes from the shorter hours of daylight. Night riding on the roads of New Jersey is unsafe and unnerving to say the least!

My saving grace is my mountain bike, local trail systems and a high watt headlamp. In fact, I’d even say mountain biking at night is my Zen. Surrounded by total darkness, my area of intense focus is reduced and refined only to the illuminated terrain 20-30 feet ahead. I find that when my field of vision is reduced, what I can see comes into vivid focus.

I think this level of focus can have great benefits off my bike as well, specifically in relationship building. In my work, no two days are ever alike. I get to meet new people almost every day. When I’m at my best I am able to focus fully on the person in front of me, giving them my complete attention, concentration and focus. Much like biking at night, this is a skill that improves only with time, patience and practice. And much like any form of exercise, the gains are quickly lost when I get lazy.

I have always been told that successful fundraising is about developing real relationships. Developing real relationships takes real intention. If you want to be a better fundraiser, build better relationships. If you want to build better relationships, hone your skills and strengthen your ability to focus solely on the person you are visiting with. When you are able to reduce the peripheral distractions, you will share your greatest gift: your presence.

Ride on!

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Posted by Jon Simons
Jon Simons

Written by Jon Simons

In his role as Executive Vice President, Jon has oversight over product development and training for DBD Group. He, along with the rest of the leadership team, provides strategic direction and insight for the company. He plays a key role in welcoming new consultants and ensuring that they offer the same quality service and tools as the rest of the DBD team.

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