Wisdom at Work

I'm just back from a networking meeting and I feel great. That's unusual. Networking events are oftern forced and phoney. But that's a function of the consciousness I bring, not the event itself. Witness, this morning. I kept my resolution to arrive early, so I beat most of the traffic and arrived free of all the traffic negativity - I hate slow drivers - ready to share from the heart, from my authentic self. I expressed my sincere interest and curiosity in those I met as well as my views on the subjects we discussed. It was what they call in diplomatic circles a "frank exchange of views." No pretending, just an honest willingness to share. Of course, I was only able to do this with four or five of the hundred people there, but it was good, very satisfying. I felt heard and connected and I think those I was with felt the same. I had no agenda other than connecting and expressing; the folks I was with felt that and met me there. When the time is right, we WILL do business. But in the meantime, we feel good about who we are and how we spent our time this morning. So how's networking working for you? Would you feel better about yourself, others and do more business if you went in with the desire to connect, to serve rather than sell?