I went to an event and All I got was a bag of meat.
There are likely hundreds of networking groups in Charlotte. Some are large and open to all. Some are small, while others are only open to specific lines of business. Being a brand-new business and being brand new in the city of Charlotte, networking has been the single most important thing I can do to grow. Along the way I have learned that some groups are 100% not for me. I figured out that some may not be the best fit but the faces that make up the core of the organization are absolutely wonderful, and they show up for me, lift me up and support me when and where they can.
Then one day you realize that you have a favorite group and it’s because they understand the life of an entrepreneur. They just get you like other’s can’t. Bonus points here for the fact that they are women and understand that there are additional challenges in that fact alone.
*
As an entrepreneur, you don’t see a major change happening in your life until you’re on the other side of it and wonder, “When did that happen?” This is the shift of whom you spend the most amount of your time with. Who you are networking with, calling on when you need advice and those whom you have the most in common with.
With sober October in full swing and the holidays poking around the corner, I am slammed! My calendar is full of meetings, tastings, networking events and of course personal life things. Today I had 5 product deliveries to Total Wine, country clubs and a restaurant. Three video calls, countless emails to get through, the kids had a half day and then 2 events tonight. This evening, we had the pleasure of offering our products at the Viva Chicken catering showcase in South Park. Last, my day was ending with a Women in Business event with the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce. Phew. I was booked from 7am to 9pm.
Except my WIB meeting was at 5 and not at 7. So, when I showed up at 6:50 thinking, “Look at ME! I am early!!”, I was actually almost 2 hours late. Walking into a room filled with beautiful familiar faces happy to see me was exactly what I needed this week. Yes, I was really bummed to miss the bulk of the event. However, I got a solid 40 minutes with a small handful of women whom I have come to really look up to, enjoy being around and look forward to seeing again right after we say goodbye.
During my drive home it hit me. I drove 30 minutes out of my way to go to this event I was really looking forward to and “all I got was a bag of meat.”
But there was more. I was also gifted 40 minutes with beautiful, outstanding women. We laughed, ate cheese, fruit and crackers off the counter and worked together to pack the event up. My cheeks hurt from laughing and smiling the entire time I was there.
We learned that **’s daughter can eat like a beast, that friend 2 needs a break and that I need to do what I can to help her do that. Also, that friend 3 has been gifted with the same epic personality as me and THAT’S why I adore her so much, (in addition to the other 45 reasons why she’s freaking fantastic.) Additionally, dear friend 4 has a whole new level of excitement for stockings that I haven’t seen before. Last, I learned that it’s okay when plans don’t work out as you want them to. This is a big deal for me as a planner and someone that lives every day in the grip of her calendar.
There is not a doubt in my mind that the universe wanted me to show up 110 minutes late this evening. Between my trip to Colorado last week and an insane schedule since, it’s been non-stop. Tonight I was allowed to slow down for just a little bit and breathe and just be 100% my authentic self.
Closing thoughts-
Find your people. Network! Check out every possible group out there! There is a group out there that you will fit into like a glove. It may take you showing up 110 minutes late to their event and a bag of meat for you to figure it out… but it’s out there.
Thank you, universe. Also, thank you bag of cured meat. You were delicious.
