We Started Out Strangers…
Posted on September 17th, 2008 by Cynthia D'Amour
And ended up friends.
Last year, I met Jody DeVere of AskPatty.com at the big BlogHer meeting.
- We clicked on site and have stayed in touch.
- She lives in California.
- When she comes to town we try to get together.
This weekend, Jody was in Detroit and arranged a motley crew dinner of sorts…
- From new professional to second career.
- From nonprofit exec to GM staff.
- From blondes to the token redhead (Guess who?)
None of us knew all of us - but Jody.
In spite of that, or perhaps because of that, we talked like crazy.
- Conversation jumped all over.
- We all had great stories to share.
- We laughed as we took on the forbidden topics too. (You know the big three…)
The night was over all too quickly.
- I know I’ll see Jody again.
- I hope I see some of my new friends in the future as well.
Makes me think of chapter leaders…how do you create opportunities for your members to build relationships across differences?
Filed under: Getting More Members Involved
Great story Cyn .. not only points out that chapters can and do create opportunities but that those opportunities can be equally effective as informal gatherings.
We’ve found in our chapters here that the we more likely to build relationships and create community with small round-table events (and there’s less cost and energy to product - real pluses for small groups).
Cynthia!
You were the spice and life of the gathering! Thank you for your friendship, wisdom and most of all your sense of humor!
Laughter IS the best medicine of all for women in leadership.
Jody DeVere
CEO/President
http://www.askpatty.com
@Peggy: I agree with you on the importance of building relationships with members. I think sometimes chapters work too hard and miss the point of why they get together.
@Jody: Right back at ya! Can’t wait for our next party!