When is the Last Time You Met Someone For the First Time?
In the last two weeks, I have been doing some intentional networking. Like, get way outside of my normal rhythms kind of networking. I’m an extrovert, but even this was a little different. I’ve been meeting with folks who aren’t really in my circles and I don’t know anything about it.
It has been fascinating!
Hearing the stories, meeting the people, and figuring out how I can serve them has been such a fun exercise. Sometimes, nothing comes of the connection, but other times something awesome happens. And the coolest part - I don’t know how it going to materialize till it’s over!
What I have grown to appreciate about this process is that networking is a modern-day version of what Jesus did in the desert. It is an intentional act of wandering. Meeting people on the road, hanging out with someone different to see how God is going to show up and move amongst us.
As leaders and really just as humans, it is so easy to get insulated with the people in your network, or even the people in your church. You get to see the same people, and while those people are great: What if we are leaving opportunities on the table by not meeting new people?
So, here is my challenge for you (and me); block out one half of one day and only let yourself meet new people. Tuesday morning, or Friday afternoon, or something, make the commitment that the only people you’ll meet within that time period are new people.
One thing I know for sure - when we create space, God will move in it!