Chrissie called the landline this morning to let me know that she wasn’t going to make the ZOOM call this week.

That’s just like Chrissie, I thought.  Calling to speak instead of a simple text or email, I admired that about her. It was unlike her to miss the weekly ‘human interaction’ and so I asked whether there was anything I could do to help? 

“Nothing new to offer from me this week Charlie, I’ll take the week off, perhaps that will ‘do the trick’ and I’ll return inspired, refreshed!“

There are many occasions when misguided thoughts can thwart our intentions. Chrissie offered a prime example. I’ve known many in business believe that networking is about ‘what’s new, what do I have to offer??  Or, what can I give?’  Of course, networking is so much more than what you have …

The greatest gift we’re able to offer one another is time, attention.  By being there, listening.

Yes,  it’s understood, Chrissie knows this already. She may have ‘other stuff’ happening,  jobs to do – family – we all have stuff, right?

From past experience, I’ve learned the main reason we’re networking, meeting on regular basis is to be there to offer support for those who need it. We’re together to learn from one another and wherever possible, lend our expertise, offering solutions.

We offer our own views on the topics of the day, together with best business practice and by being attentive we’re making ourselves available…

Marvellous things happen during a conversation. We listen as we hear, relate, we develop self-reflection, we have something to offer and so we overcome the scarcity Chrissie mentions. By participating in the GIFT of group conversation we’re learning the language of others, leading to empathy & trust.

There’s another oft-overlooked magic that comes through conversation. The regular conversation develops the relationships, opportunity.

Give the gift of attention,  conversation, inspire through collaboration.