The Greatest Gift We Can Give, Better Time

Written By Bart Berkey | Most People Don't

In every organization, regardless of title or position, the most valuable thing we can give to another person isn’t money, perks, or even praise. It’s time.

Not “more time.” Better time.
There’s a difference.

As leaders:
We can give better time to our teams—undistracted, curious, intentional time that lets them know:
I see you.

As sales professionals
We can give better time to our clients.
Let’s not rush to our next appointment—let’s stay present in the one we’re in.

With our families
We can give better time, where attention isn’t divided, it is devoted.

This idea came into sharp focus during a conversation I just had at IMEX America in Las Vegas with my friend Mike Dominguez, President & CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International.

Mike shared that after a busy conference, he sometimes feels a little “depressed”, not because of the event itself, but because he didn’t feel he’d given anyone the time they truly deserved.

The pace, the noise, the constant movement can make real connection difficult to achieve.

Which means the moments when we do offer someone our time become even more meaningful.

Did you know?
68% of employees feel they don’t get enough uninterrupted, quality time at work (Study conducted by Deloitte).

But organizations that prioritize, focused “better time”, see dramatic boosts in engagement and results.

Mike reminded me...

“Sometimes we overthink Over-Delivering. The best thing we can over-deliver is our time. That’s what people don’t get enough of and this can be a game-changer.”

He described a dinner he hosted during IMEX.

It wasn’t the food that people will remember, it will be the way the tables were intentionally set in small groups to encourage conversations.

It was the time well shared.

Quality Time.
Better Time.

Mike has an interesting work ritual.

He personally calls each of his 140 employees twice a year just to talk about life.

This is very intentional.
The call is deliberate.

He does not talk about work.

He is investing quality time with his team.

He wants to know them.
He cares.
He is creating space where people feel seen.

Have you ever met an amazing, Super Connector?

What do they "do"?

Super Connectors are people who excel at building genuine, valuable relationships in business and networking.

Here’s what they typically do:

• Focus on giving before getting
  They offer help, introductions, or advice without expecting anything in return.
• Practice active listening
  They truly hear what others are saying and care about their needs.
• Build relationships, not just contacts
  Their networking is intentional and centered around trust and mutual benefit.
• Connect diverse groups
  They create bridges across industries, backgrounds, and ideas.
• Follow up thoughtfully
  They check in, share resources, and keep the connection warm long after the first meeting.
• Introduce people with purpose
  They bring the right people together and highlight why the connection matters.
• Be authentic and empathetic
  Their warmth, emotional intelligence, and sincerity set them apart.
• Create opportunities for others
  They actively look for ways to help people in their network succeed, knowing that this generosity comes back around.

Super Connectors make networking about people, not about transactions.

Their generosity and authenticity build strong, lasting communities.

If you haven't been to IMEX, it is best known as the largest trade show and gathering for the global meetings, events, and incentive travel industry. It’s where top professionals come to network, learn, and do serious business.

The event draws over 15,000 attendees and 3,300+ exhibitors from 180+ countries, making it the industry’s go-to place for networking, business opportunities, and staying ahead of trends.

There’s obvious opportunity to connect face-to-face with new people and reconnect with clients & industry friends.

As I walked through the tremendous amount of aisles of

the trade show floor, I was reminded of something important:

The best Super Connectors and salespeople do things differently.

• They look people in the eyes before looking at name badges. This silent gesture says, “I care more about you as a human being than what you can give me.”
• They introduce themselves without expectations. No agenda. Just connection.
• They don’t “logo clump” or form “brand bubbles, rather they step outside their comfort zone, connecting beyond their own company walls.
• They give their time fully in the moment.

When I was talking with people who have obviously perfected this, I genuinely felt that I was the most important person to them during our conversation.

The true proof of "Better Time" will also include how they follow up. Their message, creativity, and authenticity.

Real connection doesn’t end with the trade-show handshake.

These networking tactics are learned human behaviors that will build trust, community, and opportunity.

Some people have a natural knack for this type of connection and communication, it can be enhanced, however, with proper guidance.

A Simple, Powerful Shift:

We can’t control how someone uses the time we give them.

But we can control how we lead them to show up during it.

• As leaders block the noise and give full presence.
• As sellers stop feature-dumping and start listening to your prospects. What do they need or want? Where are the issues? What problems can you help them solve? How can you make their processes more efficient?
• As humans give the kind of time that makes people feel valued, seen, and heard. It may sound simple, but I am surprised by how many people miss this.

Better time creates better connection

Better connection creates better culture

So here’s your challenge for this week
Find 1 person that you want as a client, and give them better time.

I would love to know the results you achieve, reach out to me on LinkedIn or via email.

Most people don’t… but you do.

Ready to help your team master the art of real connection in 2026?
I bring these human insights to life in every keynote and training session. Reach out to our team to explore how we can elevate your next event! Most People Don't

For More Inspiration:

🎧 Listen to This Week’s Episode #204: "You Call, We Haul": How Mike Cooper, Founder of Cooper Disposal, Turned Trash Into Triumph.

Be Better, Feel Better, Do Better, and Live with Greater Impact.

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