Networking in the Church?

It has been said that people go to church to seek God and find refuge from a world of much turmoil. There is a lot of truth to that statement as it identifies the quest of millions. As people gather or meet within the confines of a church whether in a building or home groups, there are personal needs that can be met simply by getting to know each other.

I would like to share some tips for the human aspect of fellow-shipping with one another without imposition on beliefs or religious agenda. It may be that even by many people also go to church to see God within each other.

I have been attending church since about the age of five and have learned that networking is almost an automatic and effortless dynamic that just happens from a simple handshake and warm greeting to a planned event for product or services presentations.

Every time there is a connection, there is an opportunity for networking in some fashion or other. From the countless examples, let's say there is a Hair stylist attending a particular church and wears her own hair in a trendy color and style. Another member takes notice one day and says something like "I like the way you wear your hair; where do you go?" The hair stylist share information about her salon and there you go. A networking connection has been established.

In another example, let's say there is a massage therapist within a congregation who notices that another member is walking strangely. The therapist may approach this person as ask some questions and maybe even offer to provide a complimentary session to help this person. Now this person knows about the therapist and tells her friends and family that about the experience and there you have another networking opportunity. In fact, this person could offer to repay the therapist with a product or service and the net continues to widen.

Every time you turn around, you can find a need to fill. Perhaps there may be initial seeds to be sown in terms of relationships and gradually, new opportunities continue to unfold. We see even church musicians and singers who network all the time with their service and talents. It is no secret nor is it taboo to network within the church membership.

There are, however, within the positive and excellent opportunities of networking in church, certain tips and pointers that may help prevent misunderstandings in this area. I have listed some here but by no the ultimate and only list of tips.

I guarantee that as you read these, you will probably think about some of your own. Nonetheless, if we apply our best and sincere approach to all that we do, networking within church membership can remain a positive and influential means of reaching out to other people in need and be blessed by others as well. Here is a list of 10 tips for church membership networking:

1. Go To Church and become a member (of course that is your decision).
2. Be proactive in reaching out and meeting other church goers
3. Be sincere in approaching others with in social gatherings
4. Be sincere in presenting your intentions in relationships
5. Give others the opportunity to approach you / stick around and socialize
6. Imprint your lifestyle with positive values
7. Prepare your business opportunities in good taste and be professional
8. Eliminate confusion from your approach for friendship and socializing
9. Follow through on all your offers made in casual conversations
10. Show respect for the boundaries and never surprise your invites with something different than they are expecting!

The list can go on and on but the main idea is simple. Network with integrity and reap of harvest of great relationships and opportunities. Church networking is a positive and fun way to grow in many ways. Others should always benefit from knowing you. Set your expectations high when it comes to serving others and be pleasantly surprised when others go out of their way to meet and network with you.

Before we jump to the next section of this book, I wanted to share just a few more thoughts on this subject that keep nagging at me because they were not singled out in the top 10. Some people may not know where or when to consider their approach a networking move or simply a reaching out approach. Therefore, here are just a few more tips: Networking in a funeral or hospital setting is not a sin or entirely taboo.  Although it may not be the best place to attempt to recruit another church member into your business, there are occasions when it may be appropriate if the conversation leads the way and to the subject of a particular need. Just use common sense in judging the right moment to network so the individual's needs remain as the main reason or purpose for attending.

When networking with others in the church, one should never expect that everyone should patronize one's business, products, or services simply because of the communal membership. There should always be a sense of freedom from all members' part to choose with whom they do business. Never assume that other church members should give discounts or freebies just because there is a common membership. On the other hand, never feel obligated to give away or discount your services or products based on the relationship.

There should be a mutual respect for each others products just as with any other vendor. However, if the relationship is such that there can be some flexibility in this area, that is fine. The key is to not always assume, expect, or get mad if that is not the case. Be polite when networking with other members in the church. There is never a reason to be disrespectful or distasteful when exchanging cards such as making negative comments or putting down the competition. Non-verbal and body language communication is very important to keep in mind especially if you do not like the other persons business, product, or services. The same should be expected from all parties.

The rub is that colors were made for choices and not everyone will like, agree, or believe in what you have to offer. You may feel the same way about the others. The best thing to do is conduct yourself as an educated adult with more common sense. Now that we've covered some of the most obvious pointers on church networking, let's go forth and conquer.

Let's put our best foot forward in all of our endeavors so that our lives can reflect an automatic networking machine that is not confined to the four walls within a church building but that transcends barriers of lack and need.

Share your successes with others and enjoy the blessing of being someone others can come to for help. In your own quest for substance in life, you will find that others may include meeting people like you as part of their life's quest.

Do You Ever Find Yourself Struggling for Something in Life?

Do you ever find yourself struggling for something in life? In spite of all the answers, solutions, and alternatives at our surroundings, we tend to go looking beyond and going in circles in areas of our lives that could very well be in order by now. What does it take? Do we need a silent revelation or a thunderous voice to direct our every move? Where does it end?

Today I had prepared an after-church one person dinner (no one invited me to share) which included a T-bone steak with fries and mushrooms. It was delicious but just a tad over cooked since I really like medium rare. The interesting thing to me was that I found myself going for the T-BONE again as in the past and digging deep to scrape the meat off the bone! It was like I had no meat left. Then, I realized I had cut the meat off the bone, set it aside and went full force on the “struggle” for the meat on the bone! What a bone head, I thought. But, then it hit me. I do the same when it comes to other things.

For one, I don’t like seedless pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. It’s so much more pleasurable for me to crack them and eat them one a time. I also prefer not knowing the answer to everything mystery and enjoy the surprises. I don’t like to know what my Christmas gifts are and especially do not like when others try to figure out what I wrapped for them until they open it!

There is a mystery in life that I enjoy to some degree that may be a characteristic fiber I haven’t figured out yet. It was much more enjoyable for me to be surprised in movie outcomes than to hear those around me say what they think is going to happen (by the way, I hate that!). I have found myself getting lost on the road driving and expecting to find my way without asking or even “knowing where the heck I’m going”…is that crazy or what? Wait a minute, I have always found my way though.

If I can speak for myself, there tends to be an inner fiber of mystery and challenge woven within my being that at times cries out for help from somebody, anybody. There have been many times when I looked at others and thought or felt inadequate or insignificant next to their so called “big names, titles, or degrees” until I noticed all their own weaknesses and ugly characteristics. No need for me to feel superior, but thank God I am me and not them. I realized that people are people and no matter what, we are all alike to some degree. Much of the people I thought I should admire turned out to be people I have learned a lot of what I do not want to be like. On the other hand, there are many I admire and would love to get to know better.

There are people who remind me of the “meat” I cut off my T-Bone and set aside to struggle and scrape off the bone. People who show their kindness and genuine spirit without putting that fake front to appear bigger and better. Those are the ones who make me want to look deeper in my soul and find the person who was created for greatness. In spite of the struggles imposed or otherwise, help me define the stages of forgiveness for past hurts and disappointments and focus on what I have to give to others. I applaud the winners in my life for showing me to be bigger than vengeance and greater than unforgiveness. I constantly search to find same minded individuals who drive me to greatness.

The struggles only have the power we give them. If we find a way to the answers through struggle than it’s perfectly fine. The key is to not get stifled in the same routine year after year looking for life solutions that lie within our own hearts. A struggle is only a mechanism of survival and utilizing it to the best our abilities can open the impossible doors of success and victory. However, today I put down the bone and cherish my victory of every imposed obstacle.I release and forgive everyone who has ever done me wrong and claim my ticket to the impossible and triumphant voyage. Let our struggles be only for the purification of our souls and the cleansing our inner gratifications. Let go; be happy and struggle no more!

Edwin Martinez, PHR, LMBT
7/16/11

Let the Still Moment Live - Happiness Does Not Come in a Box

Let the Still Moment Live – Happiness Does not Come in a Box
By Edwin Martinez, PHR

Sometimes when we are still for a brief moment, time seems to stop and everything around us might strike us as empty and meaningless. We stare into thin air and simply allow the moment to exist without interruption until forced to shake it off and let time tick tock again as reality sinks in. That strange phenomenon that’s exists between our ears forces us to take notice from time to time and evaluate our very existence. What happens when we realize that life is far more than our surroundings? What is it that tugs at the guts and screams a silent voice of acknowledgement?

The greatest minds of the ages took the time to listen to an inner voice and made the choice to follow it. Those choices lead to the fulfillment of their destinies and have left imprints on our society that will carry on for generations to come. Still moments of reflection from time to time can help steer our life paths in ways we destined but not quite yet connected.

When I was a child around the age of five or so, I found a clear square box approximately 3x5 with a lid that opened and shut so perfectly. I don’t know who it belonged to but I remember thinking that if I owned that little box, I would be very happy. I don’t remember what happened to that box and or why I felt that way about it but, for some odd reason, that clear box always remained in my subconscious mind even throughout my adult years. Perhaps it represented some of my character traits or maybe even some of the things I am drawn to in my vocations.

Recently, I found another clear box causing me to recollect my memories about that box. I put it in my home office even though I didn’t know what I was going to do with it. All I know is that it brought me back to my childhood thinking that boxes like that can bring happiness. Perhaps it represented something greater than I could understand, but I am still not certain.

A few days ago, I came across that box while organizing my office. I looked at it and struggled whether to keep the box or discard it. My dear wife was in tune with my feelings and helped me detach from it as a representation of letting go. I didn’t have an out-of- this- world revelation as to what the box meant but I know that in releasing that “meaningless” box, I felt a sort of empowerment that is not so easy to put into words. Along with this personal experience, I am entering into a realm of detachment in other areas of life, which may help to experience even greater happiness than ever before.

Sometimes, life can get so cluttered with so many different views, likes and dislikes, judgments, expectations, disappointments, sorrows, false hopes, belief systems, and so on, that we cannot see the beauty of a simplified life of happiness, gratitude, and contentment. It appears that true happiness will come with the next best gift, promotion, job, truck, partner, etc. Only to find ourselves back in the still moments where reality nudges once again as we say “wait a minute…where am I? what did I do?; is this it?,”

Make today the day to have a still moment that brings you in a new direction and resist clinging to obstacles and impediments that have kept you bound to repeat another meaningless cycle.Taking advantage of the brief moments to ponder on our path for life before we transition into eternity may not be such a bad idea. Coming to a point of detachment to the things and illusions that trick one into believing that happiness is tied to the perishables of life can open the door to greater possibilities of expressing our life in this world. Let the still moment live. www.Edwin-Martinez.blogspot.com

Why Devaluing Others Devalues Oneself

Have you ever felt like you have been devalued by someone else? How did it feel? Were you angry and downtrodden? I have and know exactly how it feels when other people have devalued who I am and what I do. I regained my emotional composure in spite of these judgments, and realized that I am still who I am and that I did not die of sadness or inferiority. Overcoming rejections and hurtful situations can be difficult but not impossible. The word “haters” comes to mind when I observe or know of people who constantly devalue others based on personal judgments.

Before I started to write about this topic I thought about how I may have been a hater myself in some instances. So I guess I can not put a halo on for this one. After taking responsibility for value judging others, I tuned back into the innermost genuine part of my character that frowns upon the very thought of people taking a voluntary stance of superiority over others.

There is no doubt that society imposes certain criteria that most people try to live by for acceptance and self-gratification and part of the deal is a certain degree of devaluing others to feel better about themselves. There are reality TV shows devoted to flaunting and glorifying the “fun” associated with trying to look and be “better” than others. Self-improvement, common courtesy, and the golden rule of treating others as you would like to be treated appears to be a thing of the past.

In sharing a brief camaraderie moment with one of my colleagues, she pointed out that her father had once told her that she was not better than anyone else but no one else was better than her. That inspired me to take this topic and run with it for the article. We enjoyed sharing the empowerment one feels when we maintain the idea that others do not determine our value and that even when we are faced with gestures of dislike or hate from others, one must remember that the value judgment that truly matters is; you guessed it, your own.

When we hold on to the truth that lies within our genuine characters of self-worth, we become our own best heroes. We just need to remember that we possess certain talents, abilities, skills, and characteristic traits that are unique and that no hater can take them away no matter how much they devalue you.

Changing the frequency of our lives to gain empowerment over our decisions at our homes and work organizations can make all the difference in the world in terms of joining the haters groups or serving as examples and pillars of greatness for the betterment of society. Devalue others and devalue yourself; empower others and empower yourself!

Get an Attitude!

Get an Attitude
When we hear or the read the word “attitude” most people think of having a “bad” attitude or expressing negativity frequently. In a Google search of the word attitude, I found one definition stating “a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways”. In this article, I will share why it is still important walk around with an attitude! Not one stemming from a pompous, holier than thou, nor superiority set of beliefs; but an attitude that acknowledges the greatness that is built within every person. One that breaks the barriers and systems that often stands in the way of success and achievement.

As a Certified Human Resources Professional (PHR), I have been able to experience both sides of the coin in terms of maintaining the proper attitude in relation to my career. In my years of experience, I have witnessed internal and external situations that can contribute to one’s loss of confidence and commitment to succeed. Today, I can look back and be proud of myself for maintaining a proper “attitude” throughout my working years and be grateful for what I have accomplished thus far while I continue to grow personally and professionally.

Professionals in every industry have an opportunity to go beyond the obstacles and remove the impediments that block the growth for success and self-development if they maintain the right attitude. One must believe that dreams cannot be taken away from those who are determined and committed to reach their goals and aspirations. It is the attitude of the heart that can determine how far one can go without giving up before achieving success. The attitude of consistency and belief in oneself can serve to open doors for great opportunities in our personal and professional lives.

Taking advantage of every opportunity to increase the level of education should definitely be a priority for every practicing and aspiring professional. A more educated person will be able to progress and move beyond more of the limitations they encountered on the path to success. The benefits of pursuing success is not limited to any one category of people and is certainly a measure of ones own determination to have an impact in our homes, our sphere of influence, our communities, and in the freest country in the world!

The right attitude of “can-do” will certainly shine and make way for greater opportunities and increase the possibilities to achieve more in life than others would want. In a world of such diversity of culture and relative perceptions, it is important to remember that it is in our own attitudes that we determine if we are to have successful journeys and accomplishments. Even in the midst of opposition, one must stand and know that the only attitude that really matters is the attitude of determination and commitment to believe in oneself at all cost.

The right attitude will empower anyone who is on a path of self-improvement and professional development and will assist to conquer the difficulties that may arise and become obstacles and impediments. There is never a reason anyone would have to wait until everything is perfect to take the plunge towards professional success. Having the right attitude will ensure that all things come together for the best outcome at the right time.

It is through one’s own quest for excellence that possibilities become reality and achievement becomes the norm, the expectation of an all out effort. Today is a great day to dust off any past disappointments or failures and achieve your dreams by walking around with an Attitude!

Please Do Not Scratch My Wood Floors!

Whether a company is evolving from the inception to the growth stage or from the mature to the declining stage, changes and challenges are certain to be a part of the growing process. However sudden and abrupt changes to an established organization can either leave tracks of success or nasty scratches that leave unpleasant memories for a lifetime. Organizational leaders that focus only on what goes out the door without much concern about their internal valuable assets can be likened to the careless individuals who move heavy furniture on beautiful stained wood floor and leave large and unsightly scratches.

Ever increasing changes into today's working world have already created memories that can never be erased from the American working force. Organizational pillars have fallen from grace and past employees have sought revenge from employer wrong doings by returning to the worksite and committing criminal acts of violence. As the world turns is not only a soap opera name for the domestic engineers to watch on TV. Real life is happening as our working class seeks to find the real meaning of life through organizational change. Coping with loss of jobs, lowered salaries, and leadership bad behavior has caused many people to stop and wonder if they too will be part of the statistics.

As a working people, we take pride in our beautiful shiny wood floors that we create during our working days. It feels great to build a career from a dull looking stage with not much luster to a successful top-of-the-ladder birds-eye view. It takes time, effort, diligence, and determination to build upon our jobs and careers. Every successful step taken towards personal development and growth adds another coat of shine to our wood floors. The sacrifices made in personal lives to achieve career success are not to be viewed as mandated chores but as decisions to participate in the system which is part of the American culture and the benefit of living and prospering in the freest country in the world!

Organizational leadership that looks at the entire organization as a valuable asset will take pride in the human efforts that comprise its overall success. Daily decisions made by company leaders should always consider the overall effects their decisions have on those people who are buffing their wood floors. Taking care to watch every move made with proper communication to can pay back some valuable dividends in many different ways.

Regardless of the leadership style, every leader must consider their actions and how they affect others. Changes that produce positive organizational results are ultimately the goal of effective company leaders and every step counts towards positive memories or nasty scratches on the wood floors. Let us all take pride in our roles as leaders or buffers and do the right thing by others so our own floors can maintain the luster and shine we have built so far. Success and prosperity are not worth the nasty scratches on anyone's hard (working) wood floors. Let us be remembered by the people we touch as leaders who care enough to keep from scratching others wood floors. Happy buffing!

At the End of the Day...

Have you ever heard the expression "at the end of the day" and pondered on what it really meant? Who actually coined this phrase anyway? In my quest to find its origin, I went to my favorite search engine Google and discovered a website called LawGeek with some interesting information. Jason Schultz states on this site the Plain English Campaign has announced the English language most irritating clichés and the number one most hated is "At the end of the day". No further research required for me. I am convinced that this cliché is the most hated and "at the end of this article" it will "give us a clue" clichés are all too common.

At this moment in time, like, it really makes a big difference how we communicate in our organizations. With all due respect, we must stay focused 24/7 in order to absolutely get the picture. As we address the issues, we may find that around 100% of organizational communication is done in clichés that basically reflect theoretic communication approaches. It is awesome to find impressive ball park figures in our email correspondence on a weekly basis so please bear with me while I work my way out of this rock and a hard place. Confused yet?

Hang tight while I bring you to my blue sky and boggle your mind with the bottom line of cracked troops and diamond geezers. Organizational communication is like an epicenter where one can find a glass half full (or half empty) and going forward, you will see what I mean. So, again, bear with me because I hear what you are saying and in terms of rhetoric and meaningful communication, it’s not rocket science. Literally, when you move the goal-posts on an on-going basis and prioritize, while pushing the envelope, it will be evident that we all sing from the same hymn sheet. Having said that, let’s take a look and see how we stack up against the odds.

The fact of the matter is that when organizations do not think outside the box, all hell can break loose, not to mention, lots of stuff can hit the ceiling and there is no telling what other negative attitudes will flare up and create unnecessary chaos and havoc in the workplace. To be perfectly honest, this is just the beginning of something big. Touching base up to and including terminations, HR departments can truly be recognized as the value-added department that will bring the organizations to the next level and stop the bleeding edge.

Now, let us back-track and see how we did so far and ask "How is this working out for our cutting edge organizations?" The reality is that as we speak (or read in this case), millions of emails across organizations of every size are about to be delivered containing most of these clichés that are part of the English language as we know it. I will give credit to the LawGeek website for listing most of them for me to use in this article but nonetheless, they are public domain with no end in site. Can we improve upon our communication without these clichés anymore? At the end of the day, we can all do our part to contribute to the communication style of our organizations because it is what it is. No worries though, it’s all good. :-)