CharlieKenny.me

I bumped into a good friend at ‘Pets At Home’ the other day. I hadn’t seen Cheryl lately, and we got talking about similar ‘doggie’ interests, their diets (not ours), and the fickle life we, as dog owners, endure. 

Our best friends have particular tastes. I mean, they have to work hard if they’re ever going to achieve dog nirvana … they need to work smart in getting the messages regarding their preferences … not forgetting the favourite treat, please!

A bit like us.

Our animal buddies (most times) do as we ask in order to be happily rewarded with the food and benefits of choice. They fit around our interpretation of their needs.

A little like networking.

Cheryl works for a software company in town. She’s been with them for just a couple of years and likes the predictability of the easy lifestyle, of being employed “to do the job they ask of me and get paid “… that kind of stuff. 

“Nothing too difficult …” says Cheryl, “it’s uncomplicated, not very exciting, although it’s flexible and with flexibility comes easy life.”

I like that interpretation of responsibility, and I believe people are generally yearning for that simple process Cheryl mentioned. Living is a somewhat easier task when you’re employed by contract, set times, health insurance and holidays.  Holidays, remember those?

It had been some time since Cheryl and I last caught up, and we lingered for a bit outside of the store now, contented mutts happily by our side…

“Ever thought about coming back to the network forum, Cheryl? Re-connecting with faces old and new, it may even inspire?”

Cheryl smiled as she said, “I knew you’d ask me that. Charlie and I must admit that I do think about the community I left behind, although when I left, I needed the predictability, the regular pay. Perhaps I could call in for a visit sometime? That would be nice.”

We said our goodbyes and agreed to keep in touch as I began to think about the real value of having a network of trusted connections. Apart from the depth of solutions through human connection, the opportunity of belonging to a regular meeting allows us all to realise the value of keeping life simple. 

Networking? No, there are no fees to speak of, the driver of keeping up appearances is speaking up, it’s shared skills, the chance of offering help, refreshing the connection with simple messages over a given period, understanding the needs of others and interpreting how we might help each other by sharing their story with others.

People buy from people, sharing … as we walk the dog.