How to Be a Villager

Want to reach out but not sure what to say? Get the FREE "But What Do I Say?!?" Connection Messages Guidebook to steal our words and take them as your own! https://www.cassthompson.com/connection Start posting on LinkedIn with our FREE list of 20 Things to Post on LinkedIn: https://www.cassthompson.com/linkedin20  Cassandra reflects on a story about adult friendship and how modern schedules and convenience can take priority over showing up for people who need support. She explains what a “village” is, why most people need community beyond just immediate family, and how shared structures (like work or church) only create proximity unless individuals choose to participate. She then offers a four-part framework for being a more reliable, reciprocal person in others’ lives: following through on commitments, making time even when it’s inconvenient while still using healthy boundaries, being willing to ask for help instead of outsourcing everything (including relying on AI for emotional support), and initiating connection rather than waiting to be invited. She closes with practical challenges for the week and previews a future episode about different types of get-togethers. Time codes: 00:00 Esquire story + the “village vs villager” problem 05:30 What a village is and why it matters 10:10 Four-part framework overview 11:00 Keeping commitments and following through 24:30 Making time, inconvenience, and boundaries 36:40 Asking for help vs outsourcing (including AI) 52:00 Initiating invitations and simple ways to connect 1:02:00 Weekly challenge, recap, and next episode preview SHOP AMAZON to See our Favorite Things! It's no extra cost to you but it does give us a small percentage for giving you the recommendation SHOP → → → https://amzn.to/2QfWCV8 If you want to see EXACTLY what I buy, check out all my Favorites, in my store HERE: www.amazon.com/shop/cassthompsoncareeradvice SPEAKING INQUIRIES 🙋🏼‍♀️ Contact: Cass@cassthompson.com https://www.cassthompson.com/speaker INFO 🌟 Check out our Founder's other channel for job search advice: https://www.youtube.com/c/cassthompsonconsulting ABOUT This isn’t your grandpa’s networking. What if you stopped networking and instead started building intentional, authentic relationships? What if you made building authentic relationships a part of your weekly and monthly goals? What if you met cool people just for the sake of meeting cool people, and you allowed yourself to see where it takes you? At One Hello, we discourage “networking” for the sake of leverage and, instead, help you focus on building real relationships. When networking feels less transactional and more like it should (like it’s enriching our lives), that’s the sweet spot! DISCLOSURE 🌟 Thank you for trusting me with my honest and reliable opinion on any future purchase you may make. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information when it is the case. As a part of our community, you allow me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process unless I've been able to arrange a discount for you that is special from other customers. Thank you for supporting this channel!