by Travis Hellstrom

Business people talk about marketing and networking, but no one wants to be "marketed" or "networked."

What we're really talking about is relationships. We're not talking about contracts, transactions or numbers. We're talking about people.

Instead of networking, handshaking skills, and first impressions, what if we talked about helping people, making new friends, and building relationships that last?

Instead of people as a means to an end, what if we focused on how we could become better people, kinder, more caring and more compassionate?

One of Those People

Have you ever met someone who is genuinely curious about who you are? They care about you, and in some magical way, they make you feel like you're the only person in the room. They aren't networking you, manipulating you, or using you to get somewhere - they are genuinely interested in you as a person. They care about you. These people are rare, but we all love them. And that's how a friendship begins.

Instead of marketing, let's talk about relationship building, respecting the people we are talking to, and helping them become happier.

Making a Difference

I know it's a big world out there, but I think each of us can can make a difference.

Each of us can refuse to be networked or network other people. We can refuse to be marketed or market others. Instead, let's care about each other and help one another become happier and healthier. In fact, let's start right now, right here.

Whether I'm chatting with Sathita from Thailand for the first time, talking with Matt in New York City, skyping with Tashi & Nungshi in India, writing to Jonathan in Uganda, Alex in Rwanda or brainstorming with Enkhnara in Mongolia, I want Advance Humanity to be always be about people.

If we can ever help you in any way please send us a message. We're not interested in marketing to you or networking you, we want to build a community here - a community of everyday humanitarians and a community of friends.

Thank you all so much for being here with us.

We're really glad you're here.