The Joy of Connecting – My Journey of Building Relationships
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I’ve never been much of a matchmaker in the romantic sense, but when it comes to connecting people for business and professional purposes, that’s where I shine. I’ve been making connections since I started my business over 20 years ago – and it continues to bring me joy.
Let me share a few stories that show just how powerful these connections can be.
The Beehive Effect
When I was organizing an event and needed door prizes, I posted a simple question online:
“Do you know anyone who would like to donate a door prize for a business event taking place in Oakville this November?”
One response led me to an eco-friendly business owner. When I checked out her website, I realized her products aligned perfectly with one of my client’s interests, so I introduced them. In the same conversation, she mentioned she was looking for a networking group in Guelph. I was able to connect her with Guelph Women in Networking and with someone who was considering starting a group in that area.
So, with one question, I ended up not only getting prizes for my event but also sparking three new connections for others.
What Goes Around Comes Around
I’m no longer on Twitter, but in the early days it opened many doors for me – referrals, guest blogging opportunities, and even friendships that continue today.
One example is my relationship with Linda Samuels, author of The Other Side of Organized. We first connected through the Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival, and soon we were collaborating – guest posts, expert interviews, cross-promotion, and sharing advice in our areas of expertise.
Those early Twitter conversations blossomed into a lasting professional relationship that still benefits us both.
The Power of Engagement
Connections don’t just happen – you have to nurture them.
I once commented on a Facebook discussion about flexible work schedules. My input ended up being quoted in a South African blogger’s post, giving me international exposure. Another time, a thoughtful comment I left on a blog inspired the author to write a follow-up post, linking back to my site.
These weren’t planned marketing tactics – just genuine engagement that turned into unexpected opportunities.
Building Communities
Over the years, I’ve created and nurtured spaces where others could connect too:
- Productivity & Organizing Blog Carnival: Since 2009, more than 300 bloggers have participated, sharing ideas and building relationships.
- Blogging Organizers Facebook Group: A place where organizers share their posts and amplify each other’s work.
- GHVA Group: Originally local meetups, now a virtual group where many members have collaborated for over a decade.
- Productivity & Organizing Peer Support (POPS) Circle: My newest project, offering monthly opportunities for organizers and productivity professionals to build relationships in a supportive environment.
Each of these groups grew out of a simple idea: people thrive when they feel connected.
The Joy of Connection
My mother used to say, “What you send into the lives of others comes back into your own.” That’s been true for me time and again.
I don’t connect people for the rewards, but I’ve found that opportunities and referrals often circle back my way. More importantly, helping others make meaningful connections brings me joy.
And since my word for this year is JOY, I can’t think of a better way to live it out.
Your Turn
Strengthen your own network this week by introducing two people who could benefit from knowing each other.
Because you never know where one simple connection might lead.
Janet Barclay
I eliminate stress for my clients by hosting, monitoring, and maintaining their WordPress sites so they don’t have to worry about security, downtime or performance issues. When I’m away from my desk, I enjoy reading, photography, cooking, watching movies, drinking tea, and spending time with my family.
What a JOYful post, Janet!
I’m looking forward to making connections, and connecting others, at a conference for Canadian children’s authors and illustrators next month. It’s called Packaging Your Imagination and what people attending always comment on is the pleasure of connecting with others there — as well as the inspiration and practical tips the sessions provide, of course. It’s likely true in any business or industry that it’s the connections, and helping make them happen, that provide the greatest satisfaction — and JOY!
I remember reading about some of the amazing people you connected with at last year’s Packaging Your Imagination! I’m sure this year’s will be just as inspiring and joyful.
You ARE a connector, Janet! What a wonderful way to bless the world. Everyone is looking for connection, sometimes for a professional reason, but other times just to have community. We all need it.
I’ve loved being a part of some of your communities, and am thankful for those I have connected with because of you. So hats off to YOU for having this mindset, and for acting on this important initiative.
Now I just need to think how to rise to your challenge myself this week. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words. I’m happy to have you in my community! And I’m sure you can rise to the challenge. 🙂
I love the Joy Factor in this blog. I have connected with other organizers through your Blogging Organizers Facebook group.
When I started my business, I joined a BNI group and while I got very few referrals from the group I got to really know the people in the group and was able to benefit my clients by having people to refer to them that I could trust to do a good job.
The connections made through my professional organizations are helpful and joyful.
That’s wonderful! There are definitely benefits to networking that go way beyond getting referrals.
A connector is a wonderful way to be. And you ARE that! I’m grateful to have met you, and I appreciate our shared history and the many ways we’ve supported and continue to support one another. It’s been wonderful being part of the weekly blogging group that you lead and the Blog Carnivals. It’s just a few of the many ways you encourage us to support and help our fellow organizers, bloggers, and the public.
When I first started venturing into social media and blogging, you were one of the people I admired and watched. I learned a great deal from you and continue to do so. I even had the opportunity to hear you speak several times at POC and NAPO conferences. As you mentioned, we first met through the Twitterverse, although I don’t remember the year. However, I remember the first time we met in person at the 2014 NAPO conference in Phoenix, AZ. Do you remember we were both wearing the same color blue top? So funny.
Thank you for the lovely shout-out. I appreciate and am grateful to you.
Linda, thank you so much for your comment as well as your ongoing support for many years now! I’ve also watched and admired what you do so I guess we continue to grow together. I definitely remember meeting you in Phoenix, and almost added a photo of us in our blue tops to this post – I wish I had!