During the Renaissance, there was an explosion of knowledge, arts, and science. We learn about this time period throughout or school years and the term “Renaissance Man (or Woman)” has come from this time in history. The term describes someone with many likes and hobbies that has a broad knowledge base about a lot of things.

As a business person, you need to be somewhat of a Renaissance Man; this is because business relationships almost always start with a personal connection – you just have to find it. If you learn more about a broad range of things you will be able to connect on a deeper level with a broader range of people.

It’s really that difficult to broaden your knowledge base a bit. If you are not a sports person, read ESPN for 5 minutes a day and you will know the hot topics and can hold a brief conversation with anyone that is a sports fan. If you aren’t into politics, read the broad strokes of the issues going on to get a general idea.

You don’t have to be a scholar or an expert; it’s actually better that you aren’t. If you come across as knowledgeable and well read, it will not only help you connect but also reflect well on you. Do you read the news? Not the local news or the negative news but the real things that people care about every day. How are you connecting with more and more people each day? What books are you reading? Are you only reading books you want to read or are you stretching yourself?

Be that renaissance man or woman in your community!