Today I had lunch with a gentleman that I had met about six years ago in a professional networking group. He was shy and timid when I first met him, but very competent in his field. Today, that same man is no longer shy and timid. He is very sure of where he belongs and where he wants to be. It was great talking to him and watching his face light up as he discussed how much he enjoys his career, the people he works with, and the flexibility he has to service his clients the way he thinks is best.

We connected in a way I never expected; we both have had children with major medical issues. Unfortunately, his child is on multiple medications and may have to be for the rest of his life. We discussed the challenges of being a parent, of being a small business owner, and relationships too.

I find that when I share my story – the infertility, the premature birth of my daughters, marital struggles, etc. that other people can often relate, even if it is not exactly the same issue, and they open up in a way you would never expect. However, you have to be cautious. Since I have known this person for so long I was comfortable telling him some of my life struggles — and the conversation lead us down this path when he asked me about my book Tiny Toes… In the end, he could relate and sent me some information that I am going to be able to share with women and couples who are not in my professional network, but in my personal network.

I left the meeting with a totally different perspective than the one I walked into the restaurant with. While I knew that we would have a lot to talk about since it had been such a long time since we had seen each other, I was pleasantly surprised that our lunch wasn’t all business. When you have something in common with someone, whether it is a life story or your favorite vacation spot, it makes referring business to each other so much easier.