Lately, I have been surfing the web and I have noticed something.  People are mean.  Like really mean.  What’s strange is that we are more connected to one another than we’ve ever been and yet, I think we are disconnected.
I have struggled with this recently, as I imagine many people have, in light of the most recent mass shootings.  Now, I am not an expert in psychology, or human behavior or honestly anything, but I do know what my gut says.  We need to get out and actually TALK to people again. 

As I type, I am also in the middle of about 5 conversations via text and Snap Chat with a number of different friends and family members.  It’s the way we keep in touch in 2019.  What’s strange now is when my phone actually rings and it’s not a robo-call.  When a friend or family name pops up on my screen, I am immediately nervous that something must be really wrong – why else would they call instead of text?

How sad is that?  I am guilty just as much as the next person.  Last night, my daughter was excitedly telling me about her day.  She spent her morning job shadowing in multiple surgeries at the Northfield Hospital.  I realized part-way through her story that I had been half paying attention to her because I was also playing a game on my phone.  I quickly put the phone down and gave her my full attention, and do you know what?  I could tell that she knew I was invested in her and found what she was saying important.  One simple action gave her the go-ahead to tell me all about her amazing experience because she knew I was only focused on her at that moment. 

Being connected to each other on a deeper level is why I think networking events are still so important.  Having a relationship with someone and knowing them personally and professionally creates bonds and allegiances that can’t be easily broken.  It makes it easy to make recommendations to others who are in need of goods and services because I am recommending a friend and someone I trust.

The Chamber is full of opportunities to connect, network, learn and grow relationships with other like-minded business people.  I have loved the Business After Hours and Morning Business Brew events, which allow our hosts to educate us on their business.  Their passion for what they do is unmeasurable.  For me, these events have created a deeper bond with the community as a whole.  I would rather find what I need in town, and spend my money with my friends and neighbors than go anywhere else. 

Let’s start creating connections again to others.  By establishing relationships, whether professional or personal, it’s a lot harder to be unkind to each other.  It’s easy to jump to conclusions when you don’t know the person or their story, but by actually talking to one another, I think we can all learn empathy, compassion and the importance of grace. 

I hope to see you at our next networking event, to learn more about you, your business and why you love doing what you do! 

-Lisa