I
am invited to something I've never been to before: a networking party for
women.
At
least that's what I'm told it is. The invitation reads,
For the newbies on the list, this is an ever-evolving gathering of
terrific women with the sole intent of sharing what’s going on for each of us,
seeking counsel if so desired, and sharing a glass or two or wine, cheese,
etc.
Karen is
hosting. I reconnected with Karen in
December, having not been in touch with her for over ten years. We met briefly once, when I was looking for a
job. Great is an adjective easily attributed to Karen. Great apartment. Great organizer. Great communicator. Great at keeping people focused. Great at making everyone feel welcome and important.
About 12 women show up. All are accomplished and interesting. It's the perfect sized group. Small enough to sit around in a big circle and have one conversation, but big enough to have vastly different perspectives — from the practical to the more spiritual, from those seeking happiness to those seeking income, to those who believe the two can and should be intertwined.
Most of the woman have or had careers in television (which is also Karen's and my background). But others have chosen different paths. There's also an accomplished blogger (as in 100,000 page views/month), a head of catering (at arguably the best bakery in Manhattan), a web entrepreneur, an ex-Google exec, a life coach, a prize-winning documentary filmmaker, a PR head, a non-for profit expert, a trainer and off-Broadway musical writer, and a rescued-animal advocate. It's an eclectic group of women. Some are more settled in their lives than others. Some are looking for advice/help. Some are happily in limbo while others are actively seeking new positions.
I've never participated in anything like this. I'm one of those weird people who actually likes going to meetings. As long as they are led well. The participants have something of value to say. And you leave feeling the time has well spent. Check. Check. And check.
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