DEEPENING NETWORKING THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS - Lessons From Busy Networking Professionals

Deepening Networking Through Relationships
with Christine Sotmary, M.S., L.Ac., CPC

The saying goes that we ought to play to our strengths. One of the strengths that we glory in as human beings is our ability to create. The way our brains are wired makes it possible for us to rearrange our experiences, skills and intuition to shape it into something very much our own.

Then what can happen when two or more folks create something together? They bring even more experience, skill sets and intuition to the project and best of all they inspire each other and keep energies high.

Taking our creativity "out to play" is a great way to network. Finding others who share the same dreams often brings out the best in us and them too.

When we think of creativity it is easy to first think of the lone writer or painter, holed away in their studio for years on end.

Recently I've been hearing about fun activities like gathering a group of friends in a circle and one person starts a story. Each person adds to the story as their turn comes around. It's a great way to nurture the collective creative juices. You could do the same thing with song lyrics I would imagine.

Yesterday at my Caregiver's Meditation group someone described a beautiful mandala that a group of caregivers created together. They are getting it framed and hanging it in the hospital lobby for all to enjoy. Imagine the pride and closeness that group of artists share.

When we think of networking it's easy to think of Chamber of Commerce events, service clubs and professional organizations. Sometimes these groups can feel cold with quick exchanges that are soon forgotten.

Enjoying snacks after singing together in a chorale group rehearsal, sharing excitement about the upcoming performance or exchanging recommendations for "must hear" music tends to live on in our memory banks and brings a smile every time we think of it again later in the week.

Sharing creative talents helps grow trust and understanding among the participants. How about back stage getting ready for your grand entrance? Can't you just imagine the shared energy and maybe even a few jitters? When people share these experiences they form a bond that can last a lifetime.

Most of us have a commitment to our business that takes up much of our time. By sharing our creativity from anything as simple as a quilting circle to the many traditions and special language of a jazz band, we renew ourselves and our connections to others. The rewards show up in a variety of ways.

I've certainly had my share of injured musicians and Salsa dancers in my acupuncture work. My jazz band has brought me in contact with many musicians over the years and they get to know me and trust me before hiring me to restore them to health. By dancing 2-3 nights a week you can bet that I hear about all the aches and pains of my fellow dancers. They trust me because they know that I understand their need to get back to dancing as soon as possible after an injury.

I've had many clients over the years who are in the film industry. I've often heard about the location scout's excitement when they found the perfect spot for a scene or the prop person describing a piece of furniture for the set that they discovered in a thrift store. These people are used to networking like crazy because they get paid for being creative and they want to do more. Musicians are similar. They are always calling around to see what jobs are available and keeping themselves in the minds of those that are doing the hiring.

Even if our creativity is non-professional it can enrich our networking efforts with shared experiences, fostering trust and relationship building that is so precious to our professional life.

by Christine Sotmary M.S., L.Ac., CPC

For more information check out:
Getting On Track to Better Health
Getting On Track Coaching
Metabolic Nutrition
Acupuncture/Life Coaching weight loss

You can also read more at my 2 blogs:
Unplug and Get Your Groove Back
Metabolic Matters

You can also purchase my book at:
Living on the Verge of Insanity



For more information, please visit Christine's TNNW Bio.



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