Does forming good connections mean deliberately seeking people who can benefit me?

You do not need to decide whether to know someone by first asking what they might give you later. In settings of shared interest, introduce yourself sincerely and listen to others’ work and experiences. Everyone knows different things and may offer something worth learning.

My connection with a Hualien radio host began at a Daoist study camp at Sanqing Temple in Yilan. Everyone gave a reflection report, and hearing each other’s sharing revealed our occupations. Afterwards, I introduced myself, exchanged business cards, and gave the host the Chinese chess divination book I had brought as a gesture of connection.

I had no advance plan to appear on the radio and did not know how things would develop. Later, the host independently mentioned possibly inviting me onto the program. Collaboration gradually followed. Handing over a book did not produce a guaranteed result.

I therefore remind people to recognize opportunities and present themselves while allowing interactions to feel natural. We often cannot predict what will emerge from good connections. First know the person well, be willing to exchange and learn, and do not turn every encounter into a trade in benefits.