It had been a little while since I’d last seen Marie. Tonight was opportune, we’d both arrived at our destination at the same time and so stopped for a chat before we entered.
Marie has a successful HR company based outside of town. With her office being quite isolated, she has always enjoyed networking. Joining a throng and ‘getting some new connections under her belt.’
‘I’m in HR Charlie, remember? Networking is a must for me.’
I smiled and thought for a minute before agreeing with her sentiment; after all, my home office is several miles from the nearest town and apart from the car I drive offering escape, the opportunity to engage through others in business is an essential stimulus for me … you know, the ‘people buy from people’ thing I often describe on this platform.
‘Still working for yourself, Charlie?’ Marie asked.
‘We’re all working for yourselves, Marie. Now, if you’re asking whether I’ve recruited anyone or joined another company since we last met? The answer is no.’
This wasn’t true. I’d recently asked my wife to help with certain admin and follow-up. It’s something I’d been thinking about for a while and thought no more of it until Sue began picking up the telephone for me … a no-brainer, help right beneath my nose!
Anyway, I thought … it was important to involve my ‘best friend’ in my other love …
Does that sound odd to you?
‘So how are you contending with growth, Charlie? No longer looking to expand?’
I explained to Marie that I was always interested in developing the business. ‘I’m always interested in reciprocal ‘strategic’ partnerships Marie. The more like-minds I have around me I feel I couldn’t be richer … now if I do hear of anyone looking for employees tonight, then I’ll be sure to let you know.’
Marie raised an eyebrow … ‘So you’re not looking for business tonight?’
‘I’m open to opportunities, Marie; I have my invitation right here, for me, it’s more about being here to offer support, don’t you think? How about you??’
‘I’m the same, Charlie. Opportunities yes, except for me it’s people on the move I’m interested in, good, reliable people are in short supply nowadays.’
‘Let’s get inside, Marie, see who we’re joining tonight, seeking out their opportunity.’
CharlieKenny.me 