Introduction
There are multiple ways to network. For many of us, using LinkedIn and other social media platforms is meaningful and gets our messages out there. Attending Zoom and Teams meetings gives us exposure to people in real-time and remotely. Conducting information interviews by phone is also useful. I do not suggest underestimating these connections. They enable us to act more immediately. They help us grow our reach and increase our knowledge base.
Proof Statements About Networking
Job coaches, counselors, and others have always emphasized the benefits of networking. The benefits of networking were never so emphasized as they were for me this year. Recently I had a couple of experiences that truly validated this position.
In April of this year I co-facilitated an in-person pedestrian safety event in Portland, Oregon. I truly desire reasons to get outside my four walls, commune with people, make friends and experience human touch again. I met several people with whom I was able to form partnerships, get answers to tough questions, make peace with myself and enjoy moving my body to integrate my whole body/mind/spirit experience. I met a community outreach person who collaborates with the Portland Police Department and was able to connect me with the head of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement. He called me and agreed to start getting answers to questions I still have about my son’s death by drug overdose.
I met Franklin Ouchida, founder of Oregon Wheelchair Hiking. Oregon Wheelchair Hiking offers community hikes for all including those of us with mobility challenges. With him, I was able to hold a nature walk and share my knowledge about accessing happiness through our senses. Oregon Wheelchair Hiking also holds monthly gatherings, on the first Sunday of each month, from 1 to 4 PM, at Dick’s Primal Burger, 4905 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97206. Through this connection, I am finding ways to become more physically active as well as socialize and make new friends. Getting outside our four walls and engaging in activities with people who share our interests are excellent ways to make new friends and combat depression. You can listen to my interview with Franklin Ouchida, on my podcast “Get What You Need and Feel Good About it here:
When I attended the American Council of the Blind (ACB) conference and convention in July of this year, I was able to reconnect with friends I have not seen since before COVID. I also made some wonderful new friends. People were actually happy to see me. Sometimes, in dark moments, I wonder if I truly matter. Reconnecting with friends reminded me that I am cared about. People empathized with me about the death of my son. The hugs and caring words meant so much.
I took a couple of serious falls as I tried to be so independent and not need help. One of these falls was in the bathtub after the bath bench I requested tipped over and dropped me onto the floor of the tub. Getting out of the tub was so challenging. I really thought I would end up lying there until the maid arrived later in the afternoon. I did manage to get out on my own. However, I was terrified to take a shower alone in case it happened again.
This led to reporting my incident to convention coordinators and the hotel. The hotel sent engineers to my room who were able to adjust the bath bench so that it was safe. I reported this experience on the hotel survey and suggested ideas that they will want to implement to create greater safety for guests and reduce their liability. This was an example of important, needed advocacy.
A friend I haven’t seen for years offered to come to my room and stand by while I showered. She provided me with emotional and physical support which helped me feel safe and cared about. We ended up talking for three hours and reaffirming our friendship. I felt truly accepted and cared about.
The Value of Professional Networking
I cannot emphasize enough the value of in-person networking to reduce our sense of isolation and rebuild our sense of community.
Since COVID, I have been on a mission to rebuild my community. I crave socialization in real-time.
As noted above, after years of absence, I was finally able to attend the annual national ACB conference and convention in person. I am a member of the special interest affiliate, Individual Visually Impaired Entrepreneurs (IVIE). I have been working on broadening my business to include happiness life coaching, and I have written four books. I decided to take advantage of opportunities to have a booth to market my efforts and accomplishments. The three days of my booth not only yielded sales, but they introduced me to others who have businesses with whom I may partner.
One of these connections was Shawn Welker, founder of Visualize Access, LLC. His service provides visual interpreting similar to Be My Eyes Be My Eyes and AIRA https://aira.io/.
What sets Visual Access apart from other, more well known visual interpreting services is that he also audio describes personal videos. He prides himself on taking more time with his consumers and doing some of the work such as filling out forms on his own, leaving entrepreneurs free to get on with their businesses. Shawn and his company offered me a more personal experience as we networked together.
Book a Visual Interpreter Session
I met Wilma Chestnut House. She has bounced back from a very traumatic, tragic assault perpetrated by young men who gouged her eyes with broken glass leaving her blind. Yet, she is strong and courageous. She has written her memoir. Check out her story at: Wilma Chestnut House Article
During the ACB conference and convention I heard so many inspiring stories of challenge and success. These people and their stories have reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles. So many of us have experienced incredible sorrow and risen above it to find hope with which we encourage and inspire others. These stories have given me countless ideas for podcast interviews as well as fruitful partnerships.
Conclusion
In summary, networking provides so many benefits-professional collaboration, support, and friendship. Take courage! We are all in this to love and support one another.