The Year of Saying Yes

I made a decision this year: say yes more.

Yes to networking events that make me uncomfortable. Yes to spontaneous travel. Yes to reconnecting with people I haven't talked to in years. Yes to experiences that don't fit neatly into my schedule.

As a new business owner, I knew I needed to stay focused on delivering value to make reframeRIA viable. What I underestimated was how crucial human connection and networking would be to building this business.

The Outgoing Introvert Problem

Here's the thing: I'm an outgoing introvert.

I can work a room when needed, but large social gatherings drain me. My sweet spot is deep, one-on-one conversations or small groups where we skip the surface-level pleasantries and get into what actually matters.

Large networking events exhaust me. But here's what I've learned: some of the most valuable connections come from pushing past that discomfort.

Communities I Said Yes To

10x Vets - A community of veteran entrepreneurs who understand the unique challenges of transitioning from military service to entrepreneurship. They've become sounding boards and advisors.

Voyageur University - A group helping experienced professionals build independent, Fractional careers. It's provided insight into building a fractional career rooted in clarity and real-world experience, plus space to collaborate with other Fractionals.

Great Decisions International Relations forums - Foreign policy discussions might not seem like obvious networking for a financial advisory consultant, but the conversations have been fascinating and the connections unexpected.

Local hockey league - Not for business, just because I love hockey. The friendships have been great for my life in unexpected ways.

The pattern is clear: saying yes to communities—even when they feel outside my comfort zone—has created opportunities I never would have found sitting alone at my desk.

Reconnecting With My Network

Saying yes isn't just about new connections. It's also about reconnecting with people already in my network.

My sister's college roommate, Amanda Gans, reached out for coffee. My first instinct was to think about my schedule, my priorities, my to-do list. But I said yes anyway.

That coffee turned into an energizing conversation. We discovered a shared interest in career transitions and unconventional paths. By the end, we had an idea: record casual conversations exploring the intersection of our businesses, life as business owners, and the future of work.

None of that happens if I say no to coffee.

Spontaneity and Stockholm

My girlfriend found cheap flights to Stockholm in April—less than flights around the U.S.

My first reaction? All the reasons we couldn't or shouldn't go. I'm building a business. I have client commitments. I should be focused.

But then I thought: what am I actually building this business for?

If the goal is just to work relentlessly and never experience life, what's the point?

So we said yes. We booked the flights.

Knowing My Limits

Saying yes to more doesn't mean saying yes to everything.

I still need to stay focused on my business. I still need alone time to recharge. I still need balance.

This isn't about becoming someone I'm not. It's about being more fully who I am—broadening my perspective and network while staying true to myself and knowing my limits.

Growth happens at the edge of comfort, not deep inside it.

What I've Learned So Far

Human connection is the foundation of business growth. I can have the best service model and smartest strategy—but if I'm not building genuine relationships, none of it matters.

The best opportunities are often unplanned. The content series with Amanda. Client referrals from my communities. Insights from international relations debates. None were in my business plan. All have been valuable.

Discomfort is a signal, not a stop sign. When I feel uncomfortable about an opportunity, I'm learning to see it as a chance to grow.

Balance is dynamic, not static. Some weeks I need more alone time. Some weeks I need more social connection. The goal is awareness and flexibility, not perfect balance every day.

My Challenge to You

This month, say yes to something that makes you a little uncomfortable.

Maybe it's:

• Reaching out to someone in your network you haven't talked to in years

• Attending an event you would normally skip

• Taking a spontaneous trip that doesn't fit your usual routine

• Starting a conversation with someone who could become a valuable connection

You don't have to say yes to everything. But say yes to one thing that pushes your boundaries while aligning with your values.

See what happens.

About reframeRIA

reframeRIA helps emerging RIAs optimize operations, integrate technology, and build scalable processes. If you are building an advisory practice and want support with strategy, workflows, or technology, let's connect.

Learn more at www.reframeria.com