What Swing Dancing Taught Me About Business

From the distance it looked like a barn in the field. Cars were still parking but the sky was dark except for the light coming from this rural woodshop in the hill country of Texas, right outside of Austin.

🥁 I remember the rhythmic pulse of swing that drew me towards the shop, which was filled with a bouncing circle of dancers. We were in for a ride as shortly after that night, we became founding members of the Austin Swing Syndicate.

🕺 Most people get their foray into swing by learning the swoopy-looking arm moves. It's casual. Fun.

❗ The actual basics are much more about connection than anything else.

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧:

You know within 30 seconds of dancing with someone whether they’re experienced. Not because of fancy moves... but because of how they connect.

If you push and they allow their body to be moved by the push (vs collapsing their arms)… or if you pull and they allow their body to be drawn toward you (vs just lengthening their “spaghetti” arms)… then you have a connection. 💪

That’s trust.

That's responsiveness.

That’s what makes the dance work.

➡️ Business works in much the same way.

It isn't enough to know the address of a home or the budget of a buyer. What’s crucial is understanding how to provide guidance that helps someone toward their goals.

This isn't fixed choreography. It works when you understand the music and the people.

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞:

I was working with a client who came to do a walk-through for a condo in a gorgeous tower. He turned and said he loved it but wished he’d spent even more.

He was planning to buy a small investment here and a larger one for himself elsewhere.

❓ But now?

He wanted 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 to be his home. 🏠

The plan was to close on this and move on. We connected well, I was able to help him pivot, and the "dance" continued in a more meaningful way for everyone.

In swing dancing, we learn some basic footwork. If you force it at the expense of the music, moment, or your partners toes.. you lose the fun!

👍 Prioritize the fundamental connection and the dance becomes fun again.

➡️ The same thing happens in business.

𝐒𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮:

Are you dancing to a memorized routine… or are you staying connected to what the situation actually needs?

Because the best partnerships - in dancing and in business - aren’t about just following choreography. They’re about staying responsive, reading the room, and adjusting in real time.

🪄 That’s where the magic happens.

And sometimes?

That connection can lead to an amazing opportunity to grow your business, your client’s benefit, or even your own family.

👫 Through swing dancing, I met my wife. 👩‍❤️‍👨

Ultimately though, I know it wasn’t just about the music and choreography.

It was about the connection.