I consider myself very lucky to have certain people in my network.  It is amazing where they come from.  Let me just give you one story of connections.

I met Chris Reilly five years ago at an E-Women’s Network dinner.  I really liked Chris and thought he was a good person to know.  We made arrangements for him to come to my now x-husbands dental practice, Waterford Pointe Dental.  We had a great discussion about managing a business.  Chris was working for Tec at the time which is now Vistage.  I was right - Chris was a really good person to know, but it doesn’t stop there.

Big Brothers - Big Sisters is an organization that I donate my time to.  I have a little sister, Amanda.  She and I have been together almost two years now.  Chris is on the Board for BB in Lake County so we have touched each others lives several times in several areas.  Through the 5 years, Chris and I have maintained a friendship and have deepened our respect for each other.  Let the story continue.

Chris and I met a few months ago to re-introduce me to Vistage.  It was now time we both felt, for me to pursue the advantages that Vistage could bring me.  Chris introduced me to Mikki Williams, the chair of my Vistage group.  Mikki is an extraordinary woman that speaks nationally and internationally on Customer Service, Communication Skills, Work-Life Balance, and several other topics.  I am inspired by her entrepreneurship in the speaking industry.  On with the story.

Last month, Mikki surprised our Vistage group by having Jim Karas present a two hour presentation on fitness and better eating.  Me, being the know it all since I owned my own Personal Training business another lifetime ago, didn’t want to hear another fitness speaker who never had a weight problem, talk about fitness to me - someone that has had a weight problem their whole life.  I was not in a good mood at this point.

Well, what a surprise I had.  Jim started his presentation by talking about his background.  He grew up in Glenview and went to Glenbrook South (I can’t hold that against him - although New Trier is a MUCH better school).  Jim also grew up as a heavy child.  He was huge!  He made the connection for me!  I listened to his presentation because he had the “right” to speak to me.  He understood me.

The story ends up that Mike Fleming who works with Jim, and I made a meeting to get to know each other better.  I wanted to learn more about the personal trainers that Jim Karas has in his group because I need QUALITY trainers that I can refer to people.  Mike and I met on a Friday and to my surprise, Jim was there too.  What a joy!  We spoke about personal training, about networking, about kids, about business.  I was so impressed with Jim, Mike and Phil (new business development) and with their professionalism that I know have a personal training company I am comfortable referring.

It started over 5 years ago at a networking event.  Through several connections I have strengthened my bonds with people, but also filled a niche that I do know a lot about.  Fitness.  I am so lucky!