Going to networking events is kinda one of those things you are 'supposed' to do for your business. Some people love'em, some people hate'em. But, the truth is, especially for a new business, making face-to-face and heart-to-heart contact with people is incredibly powerful.

Unfortunately, networking events can seem like pretty gross, low-energy, artificial affairs, with people glad-handing left and right, and business cards so thick in the air you can't even see where the complimentary bottled water is.

Let's take another look at networking, and see if we can find the heart in it, so that your business can actually benefit without you feeling yucked out.

The truth about networking.

What is a 'network'? According to the Oxford American Dictionary, a network is "a group or system of interconnected people or things."

If you're thinking of a networking meeting as a smash-n-grab raid, where people are just out to get immediate business, with all the friendliness of a shark tank... well, that's not really what a network is.

Spiritually, everything is connected. We are all One. As we see in the ecosystems around us, everything depends on everything else to really thrive. No one is an island.

Networking, from the heart, is really about discovering who else is a part of your business' ecosystem. Who are the close friends and colleagues, and who are the more distant acquaintances, each of which is still saying "attagirl/boy" rooting you and your business on.

Going to networking meetings isn't about getting a new client right then and there (although that does happen.) It's about creating a long-term support network for your business.

Hmmm... kinda strange... can that really be true?

Oh, yes it can. But only if.

Bring your authentic intention.

Instead of thinking you need to have just one single intention for every networking event you go to: "Must make valuable contacts," what if you could just be authentic? And I don't mean floppy authentic, meaning you show up and cry on everyone's shoulder (although I wouldn't rule that out.)

What if you could identify your true heart needs/emotional state, and show up with an intention that fit where you were?

You want a 'fer instance?' Okay, here's a fer instance.

Fer instance:

Wow, I'm feeling a little tender today, and I'm needing to not feel so alone. I'll go to that meeting with the intention of finding 2-3 people and asking their advice and feedback.

Another? Sure. Fer instance:

I notice I'm feeling a little low energy and shy, and I'm needing some depth. I'll go to the meeting with the intention of finding just one person to have a real conversation with about something important, business or not.

It could even be like this. Fer instance:

I'm feeling kinda energetic and adventurous, and the networking meeting seems not exactly my cup of tea. But, I'll go with the intention of finding 2-3 people who might be 'adventure buddies' to go with me to check out the wildflowers by the river at the park.

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