The tribe - networking heart to heart

Tonight, I was at my first networking event in a while.
It wasn’t a typical networking event. Normally, you’d think there’d be many hyper-ambitious people, superficial conversations and awkward moments.

Tonight, it was a safe space; everyone was welcome the way they were, we had shared values and attitudes such as curiosity and heart-centredness.

I leave with inspiration and hope for the future, because I’ve connected with many changemakers and entrepreneurs who care.

How was this possible? What’s the secret recipe, so we can recreate it?

• The network was started by a man who embodies values such as playfulness, experimentation, and heart-centredness.
• He invited most of the people out of his personal network. So there was a level of trust and common denominator; most people knew him.
• The purpose of the event was clear: to connect, share knowledge and support each other.
• We were all part of his mentoring network, so we shared interests and values.
• There was a core group who knew each other and had met several times previously. The key was that they didn’t stick together, but welcomed and included the “new people.” Before the networking event, some of us had a 3h workshop where we already connected.
• There was skillful facilitation by the founder and his team, they personally and warmly introduced everyone of the over 25 attendees! They shared how they had met, what they do and what makes the person special in their eyes.
• There was a speed-mentoring session where they asked us to go deep on a question or issue in 20minutes in pairs
• We were invited to the apero with good food and drinks
• The space was calm and beautiful: a big office with an outdoor backyard, with plants

Anything else?
When were you to an event where you left inspired and connected, where you wanted to have follow-up coffees with most of the attendees? What made it this magical?