How NOT to Network

I just got home from a conference in San Francisco. I met a ton of people. The vast majority were wonderful but a few fell into this category!

Revolving Door Mentality

I have been very busy writing my book due out in Spring 2009.  Today as I typed away I added some thoughts from millionaire mom, Nancy Bogart from www.jordanessentials.com. She is an incredible mom and business woman.

At the beginning of her journey running her bath, body and spa business she found herself surprised whenever someone in her company left. She explained to me, “Not everyone will love your dream like you do. If you are the owner, you really do care more than anyone else.  It never occurred to me people who were with me in the beginning would ever leave.  I had to learn to get over how I felt when this happened. ”

She went on to say,  “There are seasons in life and ways of life.  A season of life is temporary and short term.  A way of life is confidence, strength, purpose and vision.  Seasons come and go, be sure to keep the main thing, the main thing, and that is Love.  Nothing is greater and strive to be loving to someone as they end a season with you. You never know what will happen in the future. A good friend once told me to have a revolving door on your business and life.  Let people come and go as long as it is healthy. Living life with this mentality will lead to an abundance of people in your life.”

I love the concept of a revolving door with relationships. Instead of burning bridges or passing judgement let’s  strive to understand everyone has different needs, wants and desires. This does not make them “wrong” for not seeing things your way. This is a beautiful metaphor. I hope you recall the next time you feel the sting of someone exiting your life whether in business or personally. Love abundantly and create rather than react. These are two things at the top of my to do list for 2009!

The Middle of Nowhere

“Mom, what does the middle of nowhere look like?” my five-year-old asked me the other day. The question made me laugh. I answered, “It depends on the person and where they are.”

 

I thought it was a good metaphor for the feeling s of doubt we all experience from time to time in any worthwhile activity. My “middle of nowhere” is where I am at today. I am on my chosen path and I know where I want to end up. I have a good road map in hand of what I think it takes to be successful. I am marching full steam ahead. 

 

However, every once in awhile that sneaky little devil called “doubt” dances into my head. It happens in those moments when I take my eye off the goal. “Where the heck am I? I’m in the middle of nowhere!” my mind thinks. 

 

Work, work, work with no end in sight and no promise of success. That can be intimidating to a mom with three kids who’s trying really hard to combine passion with income and a flexible schedule. I am a big believer in having it all, but still every once in awhile doubt sneaks in and I feel like I am in “the middle of nowhere”. I realize it is my inner chicken speaking so I let the thought pass right on through and just dive back in Before you know it, the feeling fades. Another milestone is achieved. 

 

You are not alone. It’s okay to be afraid sometimes, and to have doubt. It’s human nature. It’s what you choose to do—or not do—with that fear that ultimately separates the successful from the not so successful. The next time you feel you are in your version of the “middle of nowhere”, take heart and know you are not alone. The moms at www.millionairemoms.com understand. We all have doubts from time to time, and we are here to support you!