Starting a conversation can be deceptively difficult. Often, the challenge lies not in speaking but in knowing what to say. It becomes even more daunting when you haven’t spoken to someone in a while or when you’re trying to move past surface-level small talk. Meaningful conversations build relationships, foster trust, and open doors to new […]

In the pursuit of meaningful professional relationships, Rachel Rozen brings a refreshing perspective to networking. As a networking coach and founder of Connection Catalyst, she transforms what many perceive as “icky” networking into “sticky” relationships that last. Drawing from her own journey of connecting with 300 individuals in a year, she empowers individuals and teams […]

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) foster close-knit teams, so it’s easy to assume that they naturally foster strong interpersonal relationships. Smaller teams often share physical spaces and collaborate daily, but proximity doesn’t always translate to meaningful connection.  Deadlines pile up. Roles overlap. Conversations become transactional. Before long, team members know each other’s work habits but […]

December’s “A Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals” was a refreshing take on building relationships. Designed to inspire and energize, Covve’s community masterclass brought together three creative leaders, each with a unique perspective on how we connect with others. The event was anything but ordinary.  Through thought-provoking exercises and creative approaches, participants explored connection in ways […]

Think about the last time someone handed you a business card. Did it make you stop and take notice, or did it slip into your wallet, destined to gather dust? That’s the problem with most business cards – they’re forgettable. In a sea of identical rectangles, how do you stand out? The answer isn’t more […]

Think about the last time you attended a networking event or a conference. Chances are, you left with a pocket-or bag-full of business cards. At first glance, each card feels like a small opportunity. A lead. A potential connection. Yet, somehow, many of them end up on your desk, forgotten, or worse, lost in the […]

What makes a community thrive? Is it the number of people involved? The energy in the room? Or is it something deeper—shared goals, genuine connections, and a system that keeps everyone engaged over time? Communities that last are ecosystems of collaboration and trust, built on meaningful interactions and a common purpose. They create products, services, […]

Ashley Jones is the founder and CEO of the Memento Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people on their healing journeys through grief. Driven by the loss of her daughter, Ashley’s work has touched countless lives, providing tools and resources for healing. At October’s Joyful Masterclass for Connection Professionals, Ashley led a poignant activity that […]

AI’s Role in Relationship-Building As the New Year dawns, many of us set resolutions to nurture our relationships—both personal and professional. But sticking to these goals is easier said than done. Life gets busy, and intentions often get lost in the shuffle. That’s where artificial intelligence steps in, not as a replacement for human effort […]

The thought of letting people down, or carrying an intense sense of duty, can be overwhelming at times. It leads to many of us saying “yes” when we don’t really mean it. Each added commitment—a quick meeting, another favor—might seem harmless, but over time, these small “yeses” accumulate into a seemingly insurmountable mountain.  We feel […]