Contacts & Compacts, what a phenominal group

I can't believe it's already Thursday. The week has slipt away with the blink of an eye. I have been working sometimes from 6am til 10 at night on Girls Night Out. The website should be "live" by tomorrow. I'm learning the process as I go and have 2 great web designers that diligently work with me and push me to present the best product I can. At first I was ready to "let it go - as is" but they begged to differ with me. And, I have to say, in the end, I totally agreed with what they were saying. Once the site is flipped live - I hope you will all agree that Girls Night Out looks fun, inviting and is something you'll be excited to be a part of. As I try to learn something new everyday --- I will add website building/editing, photo editing to my list of accomplishments for the week.

Also this week I put the finishing touches on this months Contacts & Compacts event. I sound like a broken record, but every month it floors me how many new faces come and join this group. Despite the nasty weather, they came. It blows my mind that the whole concept of building network group for women - from all career paths - started solely in my head just over a year ago. While I was on the phone with my friend Gayle the name Contacts & Compacts popped into my head - and POOF the rest just unfolded. It really struck me last night, for the first time, exactly what I had accomplished simply by using the gifts of perseverance, passion and determination.

Our Halloween theme last night invited everyone to "come as their career". I knew that the majority of people wouldn't dress up - especially those coming for the first time. Honestly I had to laugh to myself about what the first-timers must be thinking as this dark-haired woman with a mustache approached them to welcome them to the group. I mean, what kind of network group dares to do stuff like this???? Several people did "come as their career". We had a chef and kitchen designer, artist, sign language expert, tarot reader, multi-tasker, community service projects. Gayle dressed as the myriad of jobs she undertakes sporting a white lab coat (she works part time for a doctor), paint brushes in the pocket of the jacket (she's very artistic and does most of my graphic design) and a camera around her neck (she loves photography). I, on the other hand definately stood out with my black beret, mustache and megaphone as I pronounced myself as the Director of Fun. Is that what I am? My husband always used to call me that because I'm always in the middle of producing something that is fun and brings enjoyment to others. Many people complimented me on the event and said they had a great time and will definitely back again and bring friends. Others applauded my "emcee" abilities on the microphone. I don't know how to explain it, but I am so comfortable speaking off the top of my head in front of a crowd. It's kind of ironic that I spent 20 years in radio - but was never on the air except for being the voice in some commercials. The words just flow. I truly bring my personality to the crowd. I add in a twist of my sense of humor. People really seem to like my style. What a feeling when you say something funny and the crowd laughs. Or when you say something serious and you can just tell you have their attention. I can't describe the feeling it brings me - but it's all good! The best part, I'm not nervous or unsure...I'm just me. Who better to be?

As I stood in front of the largest crowd we've had. I realized that because of Contacts & Compacts I have created an entire room full of people who gather together once a month and build not only business connections, but friendships. A year ago 99% of everyone in that room I didn't know at all. Yet last night I could recall their names and many of their occupations. We have all become friends. And everyone is always welcome and accepted to group. Women really enjoy coming to this. What a great feeling to know that a simple idea can turn into something wonderful.

Today I invite you to step back and look at your "network". How many lives touch you? How many lives do you touch? There are people all around you, and you know what...they're on your side. Each of us has a network and the ability to grow that network. As I've said before...it's as easy as opening your eyes. As we were told in childhood just....Stop. Look. Listen.

Enjoy the day!