Have you noticed after being isolated due to the pandemic, you find yourself struggling to connect and network? Are you content to just keep to yourself, outside of your daily business function? This is a real thing and it will likely take a bit more time – and intentionality to break the spell.

I want to challenge you to consider the way you’re going about networking. I’m not suggesting you stop productive efforts, but advocating that you add another layer. I suggest a metaphoric bonfire! What in the world does that mean? Here’s the thing… for many, a bonfire represents connecting. It’s where storytelling happens, deep moments of reflection, creative imagination, and “breaking bread.”

As we hustle and do all the things… are we creating situations that allow us the freedom to connect with other dreamers (aka: biz leaders/owners)? Are we intentional about bringing others together in a relaxing space that encourages sharing, exploring, dreaming, and collaborating? Is having (authentic) fun even on the agenda, or is it about passing out business cards, sometimes awkward icebreakers, and quickly identifying who we think is a valuable association?

I’m suggesting we attempt to have fun together. That we come together with the goal of listening to the vision and challenges of one another. As science has proven, when we relax, when we laugh, when we’re vulnerable… some of our most creative and effective thinking occurs. The best part, we have a real opportunity to think creatively on behalf of one another. As we sit around the “bonfire,” I believe we’ll find ourselves helping each other see what we just couldn’t see on our own. Hey, if I’m wrong… at least you’ll have fun and possibly create genuine connection with another passionate mover & shaker.