I'm A Millionaire!
I just realized that I am a millionaire.
No, I did not win the lottery, get drafted by a professional sports team or have a tremendous stock portfolio. As of yet, there has been no financial windfall for me in 2017. I am a millionaire in a resource that is far more indispensable - relational capital. My greatest source of wealth is you, the people I am connected to, my network.
While I do have hundreds of Facebook friends and Twitter followers, I am not talking about them when I say “my network.” I am talking about you, the people I have relationships with - the incredible colleagues with whom I have worked with, the inspiring communities I have worked within, and all the clients, friends and families that have supported what I do along each step of my journey.
You, my network, are my greatest source of happiness and wealth. When I need a fresh perspective, I can reach out to you. When I need more information, you always return my calls. When I need to change something, you grace me with flexibility and understanding. When I ask a tough question, you step up to the challenge. When I need candor, you show up with the truth.
As my consulting business grows (thanks to your generous referrals), I cannot ignore the importance of your role.
You have been my guides and mentors, challengers and thought-partners, referrers and strategists, supporters and volunteers in my effort to make organizations more efficient and rewarding places to devote our precious time. You have given me your time, your trust and your guidance, and for that I will always be extremely grateful. Your confidence and connection make me feel very, very rich.
During my time as a consultant, I have had the pleasure of working in many industries, with teams of all sizes, experiencing diverse challenges. The sole reason why I have had these incredible opportunities is because of your trust. I am honored to have your trust and grateful to be able to work with you, next to you and for you.
How does your network buoy you? How has your network furthered your impact? I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the value of your relationships and your network. I promise it will make you feel like a millionaire...maybe even billionaire!
When I first started out, I was told the consultant’s road is “chicken one day, feathers the next.” In my experience, this proverbial chicken just keeps getting fatter, and it’s feathers, prettier. The more good work I do, the more relationships I build, and the more abundance I feel. I am in good hands because of you, my network.