Maybe it's because I've always been a social butterfly, but I've always loved networking! Started out just talking to people and getting to know them, and as I grew in my career, I started going to professional networking events to grow my business.
Those were with a specific group, and the main intent was to share what kind of business/referral you were looking for, and when the members came across someone with that need, they could refer you business. It was great in theory, but sometimes it didn't feel very personal... it just felt like you were talking to get the bullet points. Then, after a minute or two, you'd move on. to the next "conversation" like you were on an assembly line. I mean it worked... but I don't think that's how networking should go.
A lot of people don't like it because they have to put themselves "out there". I don't know where "there" is, but I do understand both sides; running to it, or running from it.
I would like to do my best to get you to the "running to networking" side. Not because I'm a business owner who would love to have you visit my salon (although that would be cool), but as a Christian who thinks we need to get back to how it used to be.
If you're following the news, or have paid attention for any amount of time, you may be aware that there is a certain party who's got a very strong desire for people to be less dependent on themselves and more dependent on the government to cover their costs each month. I
I want to make something very clear. I personally know people who have been immensely blessed be these programs, and were able to keep their family together, put food on the table, and get themselves on their feet. I stand firm that, when they are used as they were originally intended, they are a beautiful tool for everyone to find success. I just don't think any of these programs should be used as a permanent solution if you're in a position to be able to provide for yourself or your family.
About 7 years ago, we were in a position where traditional networking would have really helped. My husband lost his job, and to find something that was a good fit for us was really hard and stressful. We were part of a church at that time, so we were so thankful for the prayer to help us through that season of uncertainty.
Looking back, I have the gift of hindsight. What would have been different if our church had a "network mentality"? Let me explain.
Most of us are familiar with the type of networking I talked about in the beginning of this post: you talk with someone, you find out how they can benefit you, they find out how you can benefit them, and, once one of you helps the other, then you reciprocate when you can.
But what if networking became something else entirely? What if "networking" became "blessing with intent"? What if we spent time, even out of our way, to get to reallllllllly know people at our local church? Know their families, where they live, what they do, etc. Not stalker level, but over time, getting to know them by a nurtured relationship! I want to share some side-effects if you will, about what would happen if we did these things in our churches:
So if the church started to "bless with intent" by really getting to know someone, the church could really step in and alleviate the gov. When someone is sick or has a baby, meal trains are popping up all over! What if, when we found out Dave lost his job, so many people knew Dave personally, and were able to get him connected to someone who may be able to provide work for him? What if Sarah was struggling with a unique physical disability, but because she opened up and some people knew about it, they were able to get her connected to the professional who would help Sarah heal?
These are just two random examples the church (the people in attendance. this is not on the leadership) could try to step in- and likely already does- to help our brothers and sisters to get back on their feet; without the help of the gov