I spent an amazing few days at the Marketing Profs Digital Mixer this past week in Scottsdale, AZ. After days on end of speaking to some of the most amazing professionals, listening to compelling keynote presentations, and deepening friendships with incredible people, my brain is full and I’m exhausted.

But what’s struck me in the last 24 hours is the pang of a bit of loss. Some people and connections were strong, or inspirational, or loads of fun, or all of the above. And there’s this strange hangover feeling (mercifully without the headache) now that I’ve parted with them. I miss my friends, and would like to go back and do several moments over again, if only to make sure I don’t forget them.

Are you forging personal connections through and with your brand that will last? What are you doing to make sure that you’re focusing on making personal connections with people – not “target audiences” or demographics or customer segments? When people leave you, are they eager to come back and experience you (or your brand) again? Would they miss you if you were gone?

There’s just no substitute for the human element in business. It’s rewarding, personal, and powerful. How are you making sure that you stay true to it?