How often do you get together with people who do what you do? If you are like most people, the answer is not enough.

On Friday we had our periodic lunch and learn for the National Speakers Association Carolinas Chapter. The lunch and learns are informal get togethers. A come as you are meeting to talk about business, share ideas and offer support. It is easier for us to pursue this kind of event because we are either sole practitioners or small business owners so we don’t have a bunch of co-workers to spend time with. Many readers of this posting work in larger firms and there is less need to find people outside of work to talk to but I still think it is a good idea.

Trade associations are ideal for this. SHRM, SMPS, PMI, AGC, ABC, AIA, PCMA, even the Chamber of Commerce maybe. etc, etc. I am sure you can find one to fit your need. The point here is to get outside of your own four walls and interact with people who do what you do. The reasons are clear. You might learn something, you might get support and advice, and you will expand your network. Each of those is something we could all benefit from but we must make the effort. I make the effort and I am better off for it.

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