Everything is Connected:The Value of Networking & The Butterfly Effect
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Connections can often seem random and coincidental, yet when we look closely, we see an intricate web of events and relationships shaping our lives. A perfect example of this is how a seemingly unrelated high school romance indirectly led me to design a new website for The Duet Club of Hamilton.
Let me take you back to the beginning.
Several decades ago, my sister dated a musically inclined boy during her final year of high school. This connection sparked her interest in choir, and naturally, I followed in her footsteps and joined as well. Fast forward to a recent memory that popped up on my Facebook feed—a photo of a sign that sparked memories of my time in the choir.
Seeing this post, I realized it was just a few months before I joined The Duet Club of Hamilton’s Women of Song chorus. I wonder if seeing that old sign reignited my passion for singing!
Soon after joining the chorus, I volunteered my services as a website manager. In honor of the organization’s 135th anniversary, I spearheaded the development of a completely new website to incorporate more historical information and photos to showcase the organization’s vibrant history, make it easier for visitors and members to find key information, and present a fresh, modern look.
That’s me, second to the left.
Being a member of the chorus and the organization has brought countless benefits. I’ve developed new friendships, enhanced my web development portfolio, and found a creative outlet in singing that balances my professional life. But there’s more to this story.
I first learned about The Duet Club through a Facebook post by Wendy Sammut, who was the president at the time. We had met a few years earlier through a local networking group. This group also introduced me to Susanna Miles, who has since become a valued friend and accountability partner. Susanna and I have maintained a strong connection, meeting weekly either virtually or in person to support each other’s goals.
In essence, the connections we make, no matter how seemingly small or random, can have profound impacts on our lives. Whether it’s joining a choir because of a sibling’s high school boyfriend or meeting lifelong friends through a networking group, everything is connected. The butterfly effect is real, and it beautifully illustrates the power of networking in both personal and professional realms.
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.
I love this story! AND, I didn’t know you were a singer. That’s so cool. My youngest is a singer as well. She now sings with the Dallas Symphony Chorus. Music is such a gift. 🙂
What you say about connections is so true. You just never know how, when, or why a connection will form. My life is full of interesting twists and connections. I’m always surprised when someone I know from one aspect of my life somehow connects to another aspect of my life.
Not only is this true and helpful for fun and personal development, but it can also help professionally. I often think that God is putting things together behind the scenes – the master “web spinner” who is weaving us all together.
Beautiful post!
I know what you mean about twists and connections. Often when Facebook suggests I might know someone, I’ll check who our mutual friends are and find that they’re from very different parts of my life. It boggles the mind sometimes!
Thank you for saying my post is beautiful – so is your comment!
Amazing story. I love all the connections that can happen especially if we are open to it and willing to take risks.
You’re so right! If I’d attended those networking events with the sole purpose of getting leads for my business, I’d have considered them a failure. Although that was my primary reason for participating, I don’t totally separate my business and personal lives (as you can probably tell from this blog) or I might not have been open to the other possibilities that arose – and have changed my life.
Great post! I agree. When things come together and there isn’t a direct connect, it humbles me and makes me grateful for the experience.
I love your attitude! It’s truly amazing how seemingly insignificant events can be life-changing.
There’s so much good stuff packed into this little post. First, I didn’t know you sang (or if I did, I’ve long since forgotten) and I’m delighted to know something new about you in our decades-long friendship!
Second, I absolutely believe in the power of connections and the Butterfly Effect. I know how marriages (and thus, children’s lives, and future connections) that have come from things that seemed to occur completely by happenstance. Being in the “right” place at the right time, meeting someone who mentions something that prompts something else that empowers an action? It’s all a bit of fairy dust and we’ll never know whether it was brought about with unrealized intention or just a little magic, but it’s important to appreciate it when it happens.
I think this is why I talk to everyone, always, all the time. I got my first client because I engaged in conversation with a random person who was late and sat down next to me in a seminar. I made my closest friends because I took my big personality and my big mouth and made a connection in my extroverted way. Not all interactions yield something lasting or meaningful. But wow, when they do!
Thank you for writing this!
I’m always pleased to learn something new about someone I’ve known for a long time too! After writing this post and reading your wonderful comment, I may find myself thinking less about what might be different if I’d made other choices in my life, and more about all the great things that WOULDN’T have happened if I had!
What a lovely story. I love seeing how these connections ripple out and change and shape our paths in life. A great reminder that everyone we meet is important, and potentially life-changing. Thanks for sharing this with us, Janet!
Thank you, Sara! I was concerned this might only be interesting to me, so I appreciate your comment.
What a beautiful illustration of how one seemingly insignificant choice can create a positive ripple effect for years. We’re often more willing to try new things when we’re young. In that exploration, we discover what makes our hearts sing, like your love of singing in a choir. I love that after many years away from singing, you joined a choir as an adult. That, in turn, spawned more wonderful connections, friendships, and joy. How inspiring!
I’ve seen the butterfly effect in my life in many ways. For instance, when I pivoted my business from in-person organizing to virtual, many opportunities and new connections started happening. One “yes” had wonderful and surprising outcomes.
That’s wonderful, Linda!
As I continue I thinking about this, I can think of a few other occasions where one thing led to another. Many years ago I did a presentation where I talked about my career path and how everything I did in the past led me to where I was at that point in my business. I haven’t been able to find a copy of my notes but I hope to one day.
Janet I TOTALLY agree about the power of community! I am in a Women’s Connection Company (Polkadot Powerhouse) and wouldn’t have any friends here in Colorado without it!
That’s wonderful. Shortly after starting my business, I joined a local group for businesswomen which was wonderful. Unfortunately, the group folded, but I learned a lot, one of the women from that group is now a good friend, and I still run into some of the others from time to time, either locally or on social media.