I had the privilege of attending our Ellicott City Rotarian meeting, Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Tersiguel’s. Listening to our guest speaker; I was imagining ways in which I could be helping others. My helping others, is not my “reinventing the wheel.” It is answering a call to get involved in what is already happening. Simply being present in the moment is what lays the foundation. Then the best way to find out what it is someone else is needing, is to begin by asking them because if you do not know, you cannot help. Sometimes helping means donating money. Other times helping means being a listening ear. Fundamentally, being present and showing support is the very best way to start.

Since I’ve begun working at Perspectives Art And Design I have attended 15 events in less than two months. Some events free of charge and others that required registration and purchase to attend. Nonetheless, these events were already planned & organized. I simply needed to:

1. Show up, and

2. Be present.

At these events, naturally conversing leads to an exchanging of business cards. In my first 50 days, with 150 contacts; I talked to an average of three people a day. To me, this is what it means to be reaching out and networking. What does networking mean to you?

Events are posted everywhere. You never know who you’re going to meet! Ignorance is not bliss. I say, “Get out there!” Helping and supplementing each other’s needs is only possible when we’re advocating, acknowledging and working together. When you’re reaching out and helping others, you’re helping yourself too! To learn more about the Rotary, please visit this link: https://www.rotary.org/en.

-Tera Sade