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I commented earlier this week on my Intentional Networker™ fan page about how much I’ve been thinking about the value of stillness. And by stillness, I mean slowing down the pace; setting intentions, and then allowing time to get quiet, reflect, and think.  It’s not about stopping everything, checking out completely, or giving up. It’s about doing “the work” then becoming open and receptive to ideas, aha moments, experiences, and even exchanges and connections.

Case in point: I was at the NSA convention in Indianapolis last week.  (If you’ve ever attended events like this one, you know how wonderfully intense they can be.) There were moments when, as a semi-introvert, I grew tired and overwhelmed.  All I wanted to do was grab a cup of coffee, sit in one of the cushy lounge areas in the main hallway, be still, and people-watch.  So that’s what I did.

I’d set some intentions prior to the conference on what I wanted to learn and experience and who I wanted to see, reconnect with, and meet.  So I felt good about what could happen if I just let go and took a break.

Wouldn’t you know?  The people I’d wanted to meet and see began showing up. They literally came to me.  Often within minutes of me sitting down. Furthermore, they often sat down with me, stayed awhile, and we enjoyed some relaxed, yet very valuable conversations.  I even met one gentleman by accident when I thought he was someone else and greeted him with the wrong name.  (“Hello Dan! Oh wait… you’re not Dan…”) Turns out Dennis (who I swore was Dan) is a really great guy doing some amazing work. I’m so glad we met and got to know each other. Even my embarrassing social faux pas were working out!

Had I been flitting around, dashing all over the conference center, wearing myself out, blistering my feet, forcing connections, I may not have had the same luck.

Has this ever happened to you? Have you ever stopped trying so darn hard and suddenly things began to work out — and for the better?  I’m fascinated with the concept of setting intentions, doing the initial legwork, then putting yourself in the right spot and having the courage and confidence to slow down, be still, and await what happens.

I’d love to hear your stories on this.
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Want to learn more about being a more Intentional Networker(tm)?  If you haven’t already read my award-winning book by the same name, you’ll want to put it on your reading list. Check it out on Amazon, my website, and via most online retail book outlets.