Networking involves recognising opportunities and building positive relationships. Let me tell you about a series of co-incidences which led me to meeting Yaa Ashantewaa.
She and I had first connected electronically through a mutual friend exactly a year ago. A few e-mails backwards and forwards started building the relationships but we weren’t able to meet as there always seemed to be conflicting arrangements in our diaries. The Universe obviously knew the time wasn’t right! Then suddenly, exactly a year later, chance circumstances positioned us at tables next to each other at Aubergine, my favourite coffee shop.
Yaa Ashantewaa overheard my conversation, immediately Googled me and realised that I was the same ‘Brenda’ that she had tried so hard to connect with the previous year! Although we had never met before, it was like a joyous reunion and she invited me to go through to the room where, in celebration of Women’s Day she was presenting her motivational talk to a group of Old Mutual marketers and their guests. So I was spontaneously included in this function organised by Buhle Malunga, Marketing Manager, East Coast Region, Old Mutual.
L-R: Yaa Ashantewaa (motivational speaker), Buhle Malunga (Old Mutual) and Brenda Eckstein.
I was intrigued by Yaa Ashantewaa’s joyous message. During her talk, she tried something new. Handing out pieces of paper, she asked each of us to write down our names and complete the statement: ‘I know for sure…..’ Then we swapped papers with the person next to us who using our names announced our responses. An example is, ‘Brenda knows for sure that we are all connected’.
Some of the spontaneous responses were:
I know for sure:
- Passion is purpose.
- I have purpose.
- There is a reason I’m here today.
- I believe in myself.
- I am a success.
- I am loving.
- Love is real.
- I’m fabulous.
- I can be the best for others.
My question for you is, what do YOU know for sure? What is your reality?
Part of Yaa Ashantewaa’s message included ‘hang out with the right people’. Learn to read other people’s movements. Be present. Be aware of the possibilities arising every moment. Understand the environment and wait until the time is right. And this linked with her opening where she said that we shouldn’t chase the Universe. In our case, it was time for us to meet. And I’m delighted our paths have crossed.
For more information on training in networking, keynote speakers and Executive Coaching, please contact brenda@146.66.90.172 or visit www.strategy-leadership.com
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