The Breakfast Club

In a shockingly mature turn of events, I attended a networking group last week. At 7:30am. Wearing a real outfit. And lipstick.

I will say, one of the perks of working remotely is setting my own hours. And let's just say I'm usually blinking my eyes open around 7:30 because my dachshund is whining for his breakfast - not because I'm conversing with bright business professionals over black coffee and fruit salad.

Courtesy of Wix

But a dear friend invited me, and I figured it was worth a try. As a new business owner (and Myers Briggs-stamped extrovert), I'm all about building connections. (Seriously, I'd love to meet you!)

The group boasted about thirty business owners and professionals, all impressively awake and friendly for the early hour. They represent nearly every industry in the community: one gentleman owns the same HVAC company that gave him his first job 40 years ago. A young woman runs marketing for a 90 year-old community theatre. More folks represented auto repair shops, house painting companies, law firms, and insurance agencies.

Courtesy of Wix

While the purpose of the group (on paper, at least) is to provide referrals to each other and help everyone grow their businesses, I was pleasantly surprised at the genuinely warm community they've built.

Smiles abounded over fried chicken biscuits. Insurance agents cracked jokes with pavers and accountants. Everyone could finish the resident wellness coach's motto by heart during her presentation, indicating a longevity to the group. They were also putting together a gift basket for a member who has been ill.

Sure, business connections are great. But at the end of the day, we're all seeking connection. This networking group felt like a microcosm of the sort of society many of us (myself included) want to be a part of - a collaborative society, one built on communities that share resources and practice generosity.

I believe that most human beings have the instinct to help others. We understand that helping others actually helps all of us. If you're on a mission to make our communities more inclusive and interconnected, then let's talk. I'd love to help strengthen your communications and add the extra fuel you need to push your work forward. Maybe we can even chat over fried chicken biscuits :)

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~ Emily