Jollypeople.com attended a wonderful networking event last week. Organized by  lively, clever Helen Sorensen of the Fred Hollows Foundation, the event was a learning experience. As Helen says, increase your network, think of the people you meet as relationships and the  restwill follow. She cautioned against making your business the sole motive in networking. Sound, solid relationships were what you need to focus on.

Helen has succeeded in exceeding her fundraising budget incredibly. Not content, she’s always raising the bar.  Helen is some-one we should listen to with rapt attention.  We hear wise words given in an entertaining and directed way.

The “networking” word can sometimes been seen as self serving. Attitudes can be cynical about what is simply a word describing people getting together to form effective relationships. Helen certainly knows what networking really means, putting the word into action.

Jollypeople agrees. The adage of “from an acorn, an oak tree grows” is true in all walks of life.  You get to know each other, know when you can rely on support, when you can give support.  You learn what works, what looks like a possibility and what doesn’t.  Warren Buffett echoes these sentiments. When he invests in business he cares about what the people in the business are like in every facet of the business.

At the function guests stood up and spoke about their personal experiences. They were varied with one common thread. These people were there to learn, to share, to grow.  Older guests gave sage advice to the younger participants. :Younger participants made the audience gasp with their accomplishments and dreams. There were laughs and sighs about how challenging it is to manage the requirements of everyday living yet keep your business growing.

Relationships were beginning after the chats, people were circulating, cards were being exchanged. Helen had done it again!