Inspiration

Recently, I read a comment on our Simple Truths page on Facebook. Someone asked if we have any books on the topic of networking. While we don't have any books specifically about that (though we do have a book that covers the key component of networking), I thought it would make a great blogging topic! I'll really excited to hear from you all about your experiences, too.

The topic of networking reminds me of Kyle MacDonald. Did you hear the "One Red Paperclip" story on the news? This is how it goes: Kyle dreamed about owning his own home and not paying a cent for it. On July 12th, 2005, when sitting at his desk and looking at a paperclip, he thought to himself, "What could I get for one red paperclip?" He offered it on Craig's List, and found someone willing to trade a pen. After getting the pen, he trades it for a custom doorknob. From there, Kyle's story becomes almost unbelievable. He trades for items like snowmobiles, record contracts, free rent, and more, until he finally traded his last item for his dream...a house in Saskatchewan. Watch the story here:

So, what does that have to do with networking? The principles are the same:

1. Kyle always made sure that the trade was mutually beneficial. Kyle had a recording contract. Jody Gnant aspired to become a singer, and had house. So, Kyle exchanged his recording contract for a free room. Jody's dream came true... and Kyle was one step closer to his dream house. In networking, it's critical to look out for the other party's well being to truly make a connection.

2. Kyle took objects that were worthless to him, and gave them to others that found value in them. He traded an afternoon of hanging out with Alice Cooper (famous KISS rock star) for a snow globe. Who in their right mind would want a snow globe?! KISS fan and and snow globe collector Mark Herrmann! Something that was useless to Kyle meant the world to Mark. In networking, when you receive an opportunity that you don't want, ask yourself, "who else could I help with this opportunity?"

3. Everyone has value that they can add somewhere. Who thought that a red paperclip could get a house? Halfway through this project, Kyle realized that he was making dreams come true. You, and everyone around you, have something to offer to this world. Find that place that you're able to make a difference, and do it!

What can you do with your "red paperclip"? What else other parallels do you see between our story and networking? How can you inspire another person today?

Today, Simple Truths author Michael McMillan would like to share a blog post with you:

Years ago I met a guy named Noel. Noel was his first name—and he hated it. "Since I was born on Christmas, my parents thought it was an appropriate name," Noel told me. What he hated more than his name was his birth date. "We can never celebrate 'my day,' it's always overshadowed by Christmas," he explained. Noel wasn't a very happy person. It was rare to see him smile. I don't know if it was his name, his birth date or something else… but his attitude did seem to worsen during December.

My birthday falls on April 22—Earth Day. Because I was in 6th grade when the first Earth Day was celebrated, my parents weren't tempted to name me Eartha, Fern, Gaia, Ocean, Zoe… or some other Earth-related name. But if they had, I don't think I would have minded. What's in a name—right? Unlike Noel, I'm glad my birthday falls on an important date—especially this one. I love the concept of Earth Day and feel honored to share "my day" celebrating it. I consider it my bEARTHday, so to speak.

We have no control over where and when we are born, or what we're named, for that matter. While we don't control the circumstances we are born into, we do choose our responses, attitudes and actions. In other words, our choices create our lives. Our choices also affect the Earth. Hopefully as we're creating our lives, we are also creating a better world. Think about it—without Earth, we have no place to live. We couldn't exist. Recognizing this fact, can you think of anything more important than caring for our planet? I can't. That's why I'm committed to being a responsible Earth citizen.

For me, this commitment is easy. Not only is it logical, it's natural, too. It resonates with my soul. I realized long ago when something resonates with your soul, it's important to embrace it. That's why I speak out against corporations that pollute our planet, deplete our resources and mistreat people, animals… and nature. Yes, I believe in capitalism… but not at the expense of our earth and its inhabitants. That's why I support "green" businesses.

Doing what's right and challenging the status quo takes courage… but when we don't make good choices and don't challenge those who pollute and mistreat our planet, we become part of the problem.

REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE… but mostly… RESPECT our planet. "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them." I agree with Einstein… and the time is NOW. We need to start thinking differently and creating new sustainable Earth-friendly solutions. The status quo has lost its status. Let's make certain future generations can experience this miraculous living planet filled with its endless beauty and wonder. Together, WE can make this world a better place. Happy Earth Day!