The Sunny Side of Networking

I’d lost touch with Gary years ago. A chance meeting with a mutual friend resulted in this long overdue phone call. Shane and I were catching up on each other’s budding businesses:

“Gary, before we go any further on this call, help me understand how I can send business your way.”

“Now that’s what I like to hear!”

The conversation crackled. He animatedly told me what he did and what clients he was looking for. I took notes; I wanted to be a part of Gary’s success. And then the magic happened: Gary very much wanted to hear how he could do the same for me. And I was ready to tell him.

Be a talent scout. Connect the gifted people in your circle. It’s one aspect of networking that’s enjoyable, productive and yes, I’ll say it – fun.

Another Bias Bites the Dust

My largest client, SkillPath Seminars, gives me a tremendous opportunity for surprise and adventure. It begins with an email that asks, “Are you available to go to such-and-such a city on such-and-such a date?” Then I answer, “Sure.” It’s only then, when I’ve committed to the work, do I find out who the client is. This has been fascinating. It’s how I found myself teaching a writing course for the largest manufacturer of carrots in America. Or communication skills to the people who make lab equipment called “pipettes.”

Then there are the clients who fire up my curiosity for other reasons. Like when this pacifistic seminar leader (me) was asked to work on a military base. Or when this green-centric public speaker (again, me) was asked to give a course at a gigantic oil firm.

And so with my biases professionally packed away in my suitcase, I am welcomed into the inner world of organizations I might not choose for myself. And what do I find again and again? Kind people, creative people, good people. People struggling like the rest of us to make a life, to make a difference, to find our place, to do the best we can.

It’s not as easy to judge an organization after you’ve seen goofy Halloween photos of their staff.

Radical Optimism: Stress Management for These Economic Times

I must be out of sync with the news – I’m so happy lately.
I must be out of sync with my country – I’m more hopeful than ever.

My optimism isn’t that everything will stay the same. It’s that change is happening, and it’s exciting. I wonder how my vistas might expand, how my relationships might deepen, and how I might tap into different skills and passions as a result of this change. Whatever this change actually is.

In her book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Susan Jeffers offers this:

“At the bottom of every one of your fears is simply the fear that you can’t handle whatever life may bring you. The truth is: If you knew you could handle anything that came your way, what would you have to fear? The answer is: NOTHING!”

Please, friends. Give yourself credit for your competency and strength. Don’t underestimate your resilience and moxie. Certainly keep apprised of the news and respond with your best judgment. But at a certain point, turn off the TV for a while. Breathe. Slow down. Notice. Chew your food.

And if the fear creeps in, tell yourself this truth: I’ll handle it.

It’s the mantra of the moment.

October “One Minute Note”

Looking for a pick-me-up? Notice who you hang out with. Go through your personal phone book and ask yourself this question: after spending time with this person, do I feel neutral, depleted or energized?

 

My prescription for pep:

 

Increase time spent with those precious ones in your life who energize you. Honor them, appreciate them, thank them for what they bring into your life – vital, positive energy.